Tips for Gradual Weaning : Don’t Offer, Don’t Refuse
Tips for Gradual Weaning – Tip #3:
“Don’t Offer, Don’t Refuse”
Weaning can be hard on a child. Think about it.
Are you a coffee lover? If you are, then imagine waking up and someone has taken your coffee pot away from you. And there’s no coffee shops in your neighborhood, either. Your body will crave caffeine and the comfort of the ritual of drinking coffee – there’s nothing you can do.
This is what your child may be going through.
Nursing is much more than nutrition—it’s also about comfort and relaxation.
It feels good for all involved. Therefore, your child may have a hard time with weaning.
“Don’t offer, don’t refuse” is a method of weaning that is based on your child’s needs. This method can take awhile, but your child still gets the benefits of nursing on demand. You don’t offer your breast but you don’t tell your child “no” when she wants to nurse. Many moms naturally follow this method as their children grow older.
Whatever method(s) of weaning you choose to follow, always consider your child’s feelings and needs. As much as you may want her to stop nursing, she may not be ready. “Don’t offer, don’t refuse” protects your child from the emotional upheavals common in abrupt or more active methods of weaning.
