Depending on the nature and temperament of the baby, night feeds can be stopped in different ways. Compliant, phlegmatic babies can be weaned at once. Tied to the mother, restless and sensitive, they are weaned within 1-2 weeks, gradually reducing the number of feedings.
Necessary
Baby, crib, dummy, water cup, ice
Instructions
Step 1
Before you wean your baby from night feeds, tune in decisively. Proceed with caution, consistency, but firmness. The baby feels well the mood of the mother and her confidence. You should not be cruel and violent. At the same time, do not give slack, despair at the slightest squeak and offer the baby a breast.
Step 2
Perform evening hygiene procedures without active splashing and water games. Feed your baby 30-40 minutes before bedtime and wait for the bladder to empty. Create a soothing atmosphere: dim the lights, ventilate the room. You can leave a quiet TV or radio.
Step 3
Instead of feeding, rock the baby, sing a lullaby, pat the head, or use any other tricks of your own. Never offer your child a bottle of food, this can reinforce a new bad habit. As a last resort, you can give a little water from a cup or a dummy.
Step 4
If you and your baby sleep together, you should put it in a separate bed at the same time as the night feeds stop. First, move the baby's crib, after removing the longitudinal wall from it, close to yours. As soon as the baby gets used to his own sleeping place, his crib can be set aside.
Step 5
If you do not have enough patience and calmness, you can leave the house for several days in a row for the evening or night, leaving the child to bed with his father or another close relative. This is a tough but powerful trick. Deprived of your breasts and you, the baby is likely to throw a tantrum, which usually lasts 2-3 nights in a row. On days 3-4, the baby is likely to sleep soundly all night long, and it can be assumed that the night feeds have been stopped.
Step 6
Usually night feeds are the last. You must not only wean your baby but also stop milk production. To do this, limit the amount of fluid you drink for several days (up to 1 liter per day), as well as the volume and calorie content of your food.
Step 7
For several days after completing breastfeeding, tension may be felt in the breasts. Express some milk to relieve distension, then apply ice to your chest and underarm area for 10 minutes. Don't overdo it: vigorous and prolonged pumping can backfire and return the milk supply. Gradually increase the intervals between expressions until lactation stops.
