Weaning Your Baby

There is nothing more beautiful than the bond between a new Mom and her baby. For first-time Moms, it’s a feeling that is truly unexplainable. You think you know what love is, and then you have a child.

The last few weeks of pregnancy, the nerves start to set in and an unsettling feeling of doubt can start to creep in…Will I love my baby? (Yes) Will my baby love ME? (Yes) Will it be easy? (Maybe) Will everything go according to plan? (Probably not)

I had a dream while I was pregnant that I gave birth to my child and it was the ugliest baby I had ever seen. Really-the kind of ugly that makes you gasp. It was an awful, terrible dream and I can tell you from experience (three times) that it is IMPOSSIBLE to think your own baby is ugly. Impossible. In real life anyway.

So your little bundle arrives. This is the moment. This is when your life changes. Best. Moment. Ever.

Then the big question: Are you going to breastfeed? And if you do…for how long?

I don’t know why all of the sudden this is everyone’s business, but for some reason-everyone wants to know and everyone has an opinion. Well, I can tell you-yes, it is good for the baby. I can also tell you my husband didn’t have one drop of breast milk and he turned out alright. You do what is right for you and your family.

That said, if you DO decide to breast feed…how and when do you wean? There are many options and timings and once again, I say-do what is right for you and your family. Everyone has different lives and circumstances that will change their situation.

Some women start by cutting down feedings. Some by going cold turkey. Some supplement. Some just start eating solids (the babies, that is). Pay attention to your baby (and your supply) and do what makes you feel good. Your baby will not suffer-I promise. One day they have to stop…but ultimately, what day that is-it’s up to you!

Although I also know some babies that have downright refused to nurse after six months. “No thanks Mom. I’m good.” So if you have one of those babies, just go with it!

The last time my first baby nursed, I cried and cried. I mostly cried because he had bitten me three times in a row and I figured a mouth full of teeth this close to my nipples wasn’t going to work anymore. But then I cried because I knew I was going to miss these quiet moments with my baby. And he was growing up.

Then I found out I was pregnant. Like two weeks later. And I knew I was going to have these moments again. They may not be the same, but it was okay. I was okay. My baby was okay.

So like I said, do whatever works for you! It will work out. I promise. Only you know what is right for you and your family.

About This Blogger

Seanna Thomas

Seanna Thomas is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist living in Ontario, Canada. She works as a personal consultant and freelance writer out of her home and teaches healthy lifestyle cooking classes to both adults and children in the area. She is a mother to three children, all under the age of six and her husband works as a medic in the Canadian military. Although Seanna is educated in all aspects of nutrition, she focuses on realistic clean eating with a spotlight on healthy family habits. She is known online as the "Nutritionnaire" and writes a weekly blog. She can also be found on Twitter, will soon have a Facebook page, and a website is in the works! In her downtime, she enjoys being outdoors with her family and relaxing at home with her husband and a well-deserved glass of wine.