by Vanessa Arreola

Created on: September 20, 2009

Any woman who has ever breast fed an infant will attest to the fact that stopping breastfeeding, otherwise known as weaning, can sometimes be just as difficult as starting to breast feed. When a woman first embarks on the journey of breastfeeding, all of her thoughts and research are consumed with how to begin and sustain it. There is a wealth of information on topics such as proper latching techniques, proper breastfeeding positions, and ways to increase breast milk supply. Seldom a thought even crosses the new breastfeeding mother's mind on weaning. Like all good things, however, breastfeeding must come to an end at some point.

Weaning is not only a trying task physically, but emotionally as well. Many mothers take for granted the special bonding that occurs between a woman and her child during the loving exchange of nutrients. When faced with the reality that these moments are soon coming to an end, a woman may break down emotionally. It is the first of many ties to be cut in a child's life. This can be an especially grievous moment for many women, and rightly so. The emotional difficulty in stopping is not the only hurdle to be crossed; the issue of engorgement must also be addressed. Engorgement can be very painful and even lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis. Mastitis is an extremely debilitating infection of the breast caused by insufficient drainage of the ducts.

The infant in question must also deal with its own hurdles when weaning. Nursing is a very special time for an infant as well as the mother. They are usually caressing the breast and looking into the eyes of its mother as they takes in the warm milk and motherly scent. Stopping can be quite traumatic for some children. Other children are just ready, and stop on their own. Every child is different. If an infant has never before taken a bottle, this in itself may be a problem. Some women do not stop breastfeeding until the child may drink from a cup. Either way, it is a large change for the child; Children, like many adults, may be scared of change and therefore reluctant to give up nursing.

The most important thing in weaning is making sure that both mother and child are ready to move on to something new. This may be because of age, time restrictions, difficulties, illness, or just being ready to move on. Reluctance at change is not a sign that the child or mother are not ready; this is a natural reaction. Every mother-child relationship is different and the decision must be made

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