The Follow-Up: How to Wean

Dr. Mona sits down with IBCLC Melissa Mancini (known as @more_then_milk on Instagram) to explore the physical and emotional aspects of weaning, emphasizing that weaning is a deeply personal choice rather than a strict timeline or milestone.

Key Takeaways

• A Personal Decision: Weaning is based on when you and your child are ready—not on societal pressure or arbitrary age milestones.

• Gradual Reduction is Key: Dropping 1 to 2 nursing or pumping sessions every 3 to 5 days helps prevent physical complications like engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis.

• Toddler-Specific Strategies: Weaning toddlers requires clear communication, holding firm boundaries, shifting routines, and using distraction to change emotional associations with nursing.

• Pumping Adaptations: Pumping parents can follow the same gradual reduction process, prioritizing dropping night sessions first to improve sleep and allowing time for body supply to adjust.

Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.

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