Wednesday, June 10, 2009

How To Stop Breastfeeding - A Mother’s Dilemma

. Wednesday, June 10, 2009


As a mother, it is natural to want to breastfeed your baby until there is no longer a need to do so. Of course, all mothers know that this is the best way to start off the baby’s healthy lifestyle, to help build immunity and facilitate the healthy growth of the baby. But breastfeeding has to give way for normal feeding and diet at some point of time. Unfortunately, not all babies seem to feel that way. This can make stopping breastfeeding frustrating for both the mother and baby.

The most important thing to know is that you should not stop abruptly. The baby will get upset if you suddenly withdraw and that is not good for either the baby or the mother. One way to wean the baby off of the breast is to cut back on the amount of times that you breastfeed in a day. For the rest of the feedings, use a bottle or cup with breast milk. This way the baby will not feel as though they are missing out on anything and it makes the transition easier for both mother and baby.

One of the times that baby looks forward to feeding the most is during the night if they wake up and when it is time for bed. The time for bed should be the last feeding to be stopped. If the baby wakes up in the middle of the night, the father may try to tend to baby until they go back to sleep. This will probably be a long tedious process but patience is a virtue. If Dad is not around, and maybe Grandma or Grandpa can help and they could tend to the baby as well.

Sometimes by the time we decide it is time to stop breastfeeding, the child is old enough to understand what we are telling them. This can be a critical time for the child since this is as much a physical comfort factor as emotional for them. The mother simply has to explain that the only time for breastfeeding is at night when it is time to go to bed and later none at all. As you wean away, it is important to give more physical attention so that the child does not feel as though they are lacking in your attention.

This is also a time that the mother will need to take care of her breasts. It can be painful when she stops breastfeeding because of the feeling of being to full. Weaning off gradually will help handle the feeling of being full and feeling pain as well. The supply and demand rule applies here as well. The less milk you use, the less the body will produce. Some people recommend using cabbage leaves on the breasts to relieve the pain from swelling breasts. Simply place them over the breast and leave on for 20 minutes or so. This can be done up to 2 times a day. Eventually both the mother and baby will get through the weaning period and everything will go back to normal.


Written by Asma Ashfaq

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How to Find Child Care

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One of the most difficult tasks as a parent is finding good child care. It takes time and a little patience, but some ideas on approaching this task can help make it an easier transition for you.

The most popular method of finding child care is word of mouth. Ask your friends, siblings or other moms in a playgroup if they know of any good child care services. Don’t be afraid to approach someone who is obviously a babysitter or nanny at the park. She’ll likely have some ideas of where to look.

Also, ask your child’s teacher or other teachers at the school. Maybe another parent at the next PTO meeting knows of one or two places to check out. Chances are very good that these adults are parents themselves, some with children already a part of a child care program.

Another way to find child care is to check with the company you work for. Most businesses provide free childcare, so it wouldn’t hurt to ask if there might be one available. If the business you work for is small, find out if they sponsor a childcare provider or if anyone at your work can recommend one. Here again, word of mouth can be immensely helpful.

A third way to find child care is to check with your church, synagogue or temple. See if any of the members or clergy are aware of anyone willing to provide child care, or if there is a child care service provided by your place of worship.

The next time you get a local newspaper, browse the ads to see if anyone is advertising their babysitting or child care services. Be sure to go through their references like a hawk and ask them about their experiences. It’s a good idea to find someone who has certification in First Aid and CPR. See if you can observe the environment and have your child or children meet with them before making a decision.

Besides the newspaper, the phone book is another good source to help you find child care. Check out several of the businesses you find in there and see if you can arrange for a tour of the location. Check your state’s web site to find their star rating and if any complaints have been filed against them.

Your county’s social services office would be able to assist you in finding adequate child care, as well. They can provide you with a list of licensed daycare providers.

Finally, try advertising your need for child care at a public bulletin board or on the ‘Net. There could be a high school or local college student hoping to make some extra money who will see your ad and give you a call.

Whatever method you use to find child care, don’t rush into making your choice. Using the above ideas to help you find child care will help make this job easier and things less stressful for both you and your child.


Written by Dawn Colclasure

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