The decision to breast feed a child is a great one. This is a great way to form a personal connection with your child, show them they are loved, and to monitor when they eat and how much. Additionally, you really can't beat the power of breast milk. Breast milk has some of the best antibodies and nutrients a person can give their child. You just can't replicate the benefits of breast milk, no matter the vitamins you put in baby formula. If you breast feed your child, you can reduce the risk of allergies and health conditions like eczema and asthma. And of course, breast milk is free: you don't have to spend a lot of money feeding your child if you can breast feed them. However, at some point, you and your partner will have to make the decision to end the breastfeeding. Knowing how long you should breast feed your child can be hard. The following includes some things to think about when it comes to weaning your child off of breastfeeding.
If you are wondering how long you should breast feed, know that this is a personal decision for you and your child. Some babies may want to wean themselves as soon as they experience other forms of food or drink from a bottle whereas others may want to be breastfed until they are two or even three years of age. You may not completely wean your child off of breastfeeding right away, but you should introduce other forms of foods once the child turns about six months. This way, the child learns that there are other forms of food available and can get used to them. Additionally, this is a chance for the child to get used to a bottle.
Be careful not to breastfeed for too long: you don't want your child to rely on you for food. Part of independence is learning how to seek out food and feed one's self. This takes time, but if you breastfeed for too long, you risk forming an unhealthy attachment with the child. Additionally, there is a social stigma attached to breastfeeding after the child becomes a toddler. Be aware of this when it comes to making the decision about when to end your breastfeeding. If your child has a babysitter or is in daycare or pre-school, this may matter. You want the child to be able to learn about and take part in other foods. Thus, if the child is about to enter a new social situation, it may be best to wean them off of breastfeeding.
When it comes time to wean your child off of breastfeeding, this does not mean you have to take away the breast milk. Instead, you should consider using something like a Lansinoh Breast Pump. You will know when the time has come for stopping the actual breastfeeding, but breast milk is too rich to give up. Why give your child anything other than the best milk possible? Breast milk is full of necessary nutrients. Thus, investing in a Dr. Browns Breast Pump, Evenflo Breast Pump, or another model is the best way to encourage your child's independence and teach them to feed themselves without taking away a vital form of nutrition.
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