what is the best way to wean a 7month old baby .?

Question

she does eat solids three times a day already, but nurses 4-6times a day . I am pregnant & my doctor told me it would be best to wean. I am trying to find the eastiest but loving way

I do feed her 3 times a day solids & she nurses 4-6times a day . I just found out I am Pregnant again -Suprise...the doctor recommended me weaning - I just want to in a easy loving way .

Answer 1

Unless there's some reason I've never heard of, you don't have to stop breastfeeding your baby because you're pregnant. Many mothers choose to continue breastfeeding throughout their pregnancy, while others decide to wean.

Relatives, friends and health care professionals may express doubts about breastfeeding while pregnant. Their concerns might include that you would be risking the health of your unborn baby. It may be reassuring to know that in a normal pregnancy there is no evidence that continuing to breastfeed will deprive your unborn child of necessary nutrients. In addition, according to the La Leche League International BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, 3rd Edition 2003, page 407. "Although uterine contractions are experienced during breastfeeding, they are a normal part of pregnancy. .. Uterine contractions also occur during sexual activity, which most couples continue during pregnancy." Also, according to the BAB, page 408, "Currently, no specific medical guidelines exist that define in which situations it may be risky to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, and prenatal caregivers vary widely in their recommendations."

Needing extra rest is normal in pregnancy. Breastfeeding during your pregnancy may help you get extra rest if you breastfeed your toddler while lying down. No dealing with stinky bottles all the time. Completely childproofing one room with a mattress or pallet on the floor would allow you to continue to rest if your toddler goes off to play. Who knows, you both may drift off for a little nap!

Some mothers develop tender nipples during pregnancy. Careful attention to your baby's position can help. Breathing techniques from childbirth classes can help you cope with the increased sensitivity. The breathing techniques may also help if you become restless while your baby breastfeeds.

Women who breastfeed while pregnant often find their milk supply decreases around the fourth or fifth month. If your breastfeeding baby is less than a year old, watch his weight gain to be sure he is getting enough to eat. It's also not uncommon for the flavor of your milk to change. These changes may prompt some older toddlers to nurse less often or to wean entirely.

If you decide you want to wean your toddler, it's easiest to proceed gradually. The approach of "don't offer, don't refuse" is one that has worked for many mothers. See if you can anticipate when your child is likely to ask to nurse and offer a distraction or a healthful snack instead. Avoid sitting in your favorite nursing chair. Be sure you give lots of extra hugs and attention. Remember that weaning a toddler can be hard work: continuing to nurse is sometimes easier for the mother.

After the new baby is born, it's not unusual for the weaned child to want to taste the milk or ask to nurse again. Some may not remember how to suckle, others will complain about the taste and there will be some who would be happy to resume a breastfeeding relationship. If you do not want to breastfeed the older sibling, you could offer a taste of your milk in a cup or spoon.

If you continue breastfeeding through your pregnancy, you may find yourself breastfeeding both an infant and an older sibling. Many mothers have found this arrangement, called "tandem nursing," is a good way of meeting the needs of both children.

Answer 2

Do you have a hstory of or have risk factors for preterm labor? If not, there's no reason to wean your baby now. Breastfeeding can cause the uterus to contract and in women with risk factors, these contractions can cause early labor. Nursing while pregnant is perfectly healthy as long as you increase your calories and take your vitamins. Actually, you can nurse them both later, as long as you let the newborn nurse first.

Anyway, I'm ranting because of my frustration toward the Doctors! I guess I should consider you may actually want to wean your daughter now! If so, I'd do it gradually. Replace one feeding a week with a formula bottle starting with the least popular feeding. Drop the daytime feedings first, followed by the bedtime feeding and the morning feeding. If she takes to it, try a soft spouted sippy cup instead of a bottle, especially if she's never had one. Hey, why get her attached to something you'll just take away in 3 months! Good luck.

Good luck!

Answer 3

1. you are nuts to be pregnant again. What a mess that will be?!!!!
2. Supplement. Give formula and then breastmilk in a bottle or switch to whole milk. Do what the dr. says. I don't think 7 month olds get milk so soon even if they eat three times a day. They need the nutrition.
3. Use a bottle and then switch its contents.

Answer 4

I think your doctor is full of it or you're making it up for saying that it's best to wean. You do not have to wean because you are pregnant again, that's an excuse. At least be honest.

Answer 5

when i weaned my child I used the NUK nipples. they are more like a breast nipple. I put treats in the bottle...JUICE....YUMMY! just for a little while. that got mine excited to have the bottle. i alternated juice ,milk ,milk juice. you may have to let your little one see you try it yourself.... You can also get the new sippy cups with the flow control. you can cuddle and help them drink from the cup.
good luck and congrats on your growing family..