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This post was created with the idea of supporting mothers who are in the weaning phase with their little ones.

I don't want to get into discussions about what age is best, or why we should wean. Everyone has their own personal reasons, ranging from tiredness, starting work, physical problems...

As a midwife and mother of two girls, the topic of weaning comes up often, so I'm going to explain what I think is important to take into consideration:

1. Lots of love to yourself and the baby: Remember that there are no bad mothers, everyone has their limits and their reasons, what we do is better if it comes from the heart.

2. Be very clear that the time has come. In many situations it depends on the mother in the sense that when one cannot stand it any longer, cannot take it any longer and it is clear that PROU (enough – that's it)… Clearly there are sometimes situations where it is the child who does not want the breast any more, not to be confused with the “infant strike” but this is less common.

When the mother is clear that “the time” has arrived, it is easier.

When a mother is confused and unsure, like, "I don't want to breastfeed anymore... but I do... but I don't know..." It's more complex, and both mother and baby suffer. (This applies to other situations as well.)

A friend once told me:

“Remember that if you feel bad while breastfeeding, then this moment ceases to be a magical moment and it is not beneficial for both of you.”

Children are like sponges and they also absorb our emotions.

3. Explain to the baby-child what we want to do step by step

Start discussing your intentions in advance (preferably at least the day before) and especially start reminding yourself more often throughout the day.

You can say for example “Darling, the breast is starting to get tired and so is the mother, from tomorrow the breast sleeps at night too and when the sun comes out then the breast will wake up…” When the last breast of the day is about to be given, continue to remind yourself that it is the last breast until the next scheduled feeding, for example “Darling, this is the last breast of the day, now the breast sleeps too, when the sun comes back then the breast will too. Don’t worry, the mother is there with you too. I know you can do it, together we can…”

4. I advise doing it little by little and not all at once., so much for the baby, so much for the mother and so much for the breast!

5. Never ever leave the baby crying alone! And if you feel like crying, that's not bad either, they can see us crying too...

Normally the process ends in three days: The first night the baby cries a lot, the second less, and the third even less.

The mother can find—look for an alternative to the breast… A song, a hand, a glass of water, a cookie to hold… (I advise against bottles, because then you'll have to wean yourself off the bottle later; it happened to me with my first daughter, and I had to wean twice!) Obviously, always with lots of love…

If someone wants to stop breastfeeding during the day, follow the procedure again, explaining that the breast can't take it anymore, that the mother can't take it anymore, that she wants to continue being with her child but in a different way, offering alternatives to breastfeeding, setting limits...

The important thing is to stand firm, and not turn back so as not to confuse…

You can also stick with just one shot, the one at the most suitable time for the mother…

I know people who have been going for a long time giving 1 or 2 or 3 doses a day, with limits in place and both taking advantage of this magical moment.

SUPPORT WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils can help us a lot in different situations (look here) and in this case too they can offer us very good support for both the mother and the baby-child

For baby – children:

• Worth either Value II together with Peace & Calming either Peace & Calming IIThey inspire confidence, unlock fears, and provide a sense of peace and tranquility; in my opinion, they are an ideal support, especially during this time of change.
  • Valor (synergy of: Spruce, Blue Tansy, Rosewood, Frankincense): This blend has been created to strengthen the body both spiritually and physically. It helps overcome fear and opposition in times of adversity. It can help build courage, self-confidence, and self-esteem. It provides feelings of calm, peace, and relaxation. Very suitable for children and adults. It can also be used for children with hyperactivity and attention deficit.
  • Peace Calming (a blend of: Tangerine, Blue Tansy, Patchouli, Ylang-ylang, Orange): This blend is specifically formulated to relax and create a deep sense of peace. It can also help soothe tension and lift the spirit. When massaged into the soles of the feet, it can promote a restful night's sleep. It can calm hyperactivity in active children. Peace Calming can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia in adults and children.

For mom:

• Stress AwayFabulous synergy of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea, and Lavender. Main benefits: Reduces stress by anticipating mental tensions. Reduces stressors that can negatively affect sleep. Improves a person's mental state. I believe that during this delicate period of weaning, having a calmer mom would be very beneficial both for her and for the other members of the household ;-). I use it a lot, not because I'm always under stress, but it does help me see things from a different perspective, especially when I'm tired and exhausted from the day.
• Courage: As explained above, it helps balance emotions. Place 2-4 drops in a diffuser to promote a feeling of courage and balance. Apply to the wrists and back of the neck to boost self-esteem. It helps overcome adversity and confront fears.
• Mint either Clary Sage To reduce milk production, apply to the breast; this is in the case where there is a need to reduce milk production.

Always remember to drink plenty of water when using essential oils because the oils help eliminate toxins from our bodies, and drinking water will make it easier.

I hope my words can help some moms and their little ones... 😅😅

❤ I LOVE YOUNG LIVING ❤