The Time of Weaning Taught by My Baby: The End of Breastfeeding and a New Step Forward
The Day I Was Surprised by My Baby's "Weaning Timing": Sudden Breast Refusal and a Mother's Decision
Breastfeeding is a special time for both parent and child. For a mother who has been enjoying breastfeeding while connecting with her first baby, a sudden "breast refusal" is an event accompanied by surprise and shock.
In this article, I would like to consider the timing of weaning through the case of a baby who suddenly stopped drinking breast milk at 10 months old.
1. Sudden Breast Refusal: A Mother's Confusion
The mother was enjoying her first experience of raising a child, and breastfeeding was going smoothly. However, one day, she caught a cold and refrained from breastfeeding for about two days, after which the baby stopped drinking breast milk. Although the baby was eating solid food well twice a day and nighttime feedings had been gradually reduced, the mother was surprised by this sudden change.
I never expected them to stop drinking so suddenly.
The mother, who had a strong desire to continue breastfeeding, wished to somehow bring it back and requested care for mastitis and breast massage.
2. Trying to Restore It with Breast Massage, But... The Path the Baby Chose
I performed breast massage to improve the quality of the breast milk and prepare it to be easier to drink. However, the baby would arch their back even when touching the nipple and crawl away. The baby was showing through their own actions that they no longer needed breast milk.
While the mother held onto the wish that the baby would drink again, she was faced with the strength of the baby's will and felt confusion and conflict.
3. The Mother's Realization and the Decision to Wean
Accepting a baby's growth and independence is not easy. The mother was shocked by the unexpectedly early weaning timing, especially since she had decided to "continue breastfeeding until the baby turned one."
However, understanding that the baby's pace of independence was set (eating solid food well and reducing nighttime feedings) and that the dependence on breast milk had decreased, she decided to take a step toward a new stage called weaning.
It was painful to decide to wean, but I realized that it is important to respect the baby's growth.
The mother switched to weaning care in tears, but three days later, she changed her mindset and began to show a more positive attitude.
4. Weaning is a "Time of Growth" for Mother and Baby
The timing of weaning does not always go as the mother plans. Sometimes the baby shows independence first, and conversely, sometimes the mother decides the timing.
Weaning is not the "end of breastfeeding," but the "beginning of a new form of parent-child relationship."
By accepting the baby's independence, this mother was able to move on to a new stage as a mother herself.
Conclusion
Weaning is a special milestone for both parent and child, and at the same time, a moment to feel their growth. Even if weaning comes at an unexpected time or in an unexpected situation, the bond between parent and child will only deepen further. I hope this story helps to lighten the hearts of mothers who are struggling with weaning, even if just a little.