Breastfeeding: Weaning Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for recommending a gradual approach to weaning?

  • To prevent the child from developing allergies to new foods.
  • To ensure the mother's milk supply increases adequately.
  • To make it easier for fathers to bond with the child.
  • To allow both mother and child to adjust physically and emotionally. (correct)

Introducing solid foods should entirely replace breastfeeding around the age of 12 months.

False (B)

What specific hormone is released during breastfeeding that promotes bonding and postpartum recovery?

Oxytocin

If a mother feels engorged during weaning, she should express small amounts of milk to relieve ______.

<p>Discomfort</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the strategy with its respective purpose during the weaning process:

<p>Introduce other foods = Provide alternative sources of nutrition Reduce breastfeeding sessions = Gradually decrease milk production and dependency Distract with activities = Help the child adapt to breastfeeding times Offer comfort = Provide emotional support and reassurance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a commonly cited benefit of breastfeeding for 2 years or longer?

<p>Increased risk of type 1 diabetes for the mother. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rapid weaning is generally recommended to quickly eliminate the child's dependence on breastfeeding.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides nutritional and immunological benefits, what is one significant emotional benefit of extended breastfeeding for the child?

<p>Emotional Security</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the WHO, breastfeeding is recommended for up to ______ years or longer due to its ongoing health advantages.

<p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical challenge mothers may face during the weaning process?

<p>Breast engorgement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pumping frequently is advised to relieve discomfort during weaning, even if it is not during a regular feeding time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific type of nutrient found in breast milk supports cognitive development in children who are breastfed for extended periods?

<p>Fatty Acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

During weaning, offering a child a cuddle or song instead of breastfeeding provides ______ support.

<p>Emotional</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these strategies is LEAST likely to help a mother who is weaning her child?

<p>Completely stopping nursing sessions abruptly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Breastfeeding provides no immunological benefits beyond the child's first year.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Weaning off breastfeeding

Gradually reducing and stopping breastfeeding while transitioning the child to other nutrition sources.

Recommended weaning age

Experts suggest starting between 6 months and 2 years, with a gradual approach.

Why gradual weaning?

It allows physical and emotional adjustment for both mother and child, preventing discomfort and promoting acceptance.

Weaning strategies

Offer solid foods, reduce sessions, distract with activities, and provide comfort in other ways.

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Dealing with engorgement

Express small amounts of milk, wear a supportive bra, but avoid frequent pumping.

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Benefits of 2+ years breastfeeding

Provides nutrition, enhances bonding, protects against infections, and supports development.

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Breastfeeding's immune benefits

Breast milk provides antibodies and immune cells, reducing the risk of illnesses and infections.

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Benefits for the mother

Reduced risk of certain cancers, balanced hormones, and improved post-partum recovery.

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Emotional benefits for child

It fosters emotional security, attachment, and a sense of trust.

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Breastfeeding with solid foods

Yes, solid foods should complement, not replace, breastfeeding until at least 2 years.

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Weaning challenges

Emotional resistance, changes in dynamics, and physical discomfort for the mother.

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Cognitive development support

Extended breastfeeding can improve cognitive outcomes with fatty acids and enzymes for brain development.

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How long to breastfeed?

WHO recommends breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer, for ongoing health benefits.

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Study Notes

  • Weaning off breastfeeding means gradually reducing and stopping breastfeeding, while introducing other nutrition sources
  • Many experts recommend starting to wean off breastfeeding around 6 months to 2 years, with the process continuing gradually
  • Gradual weaning is recommended, to allow both the mother and the child to adjust physically and emotionally
  • Gradual weaning reduces the risk of engorgement for the mother
  • Gradual weaning allows time for the child to adapt to alternate forms of nutrition

Weaning Strategies After Two Years

  • Introduce other foods like solid foods, water, and milk
  • Reduce breastfeeding sessions gradually, by cutting back on one feeding session at a time
  • Distract the child with activities to replace breastfeeding times
  • Comfort the child through holding, cuddling, or singing instead of breastfeeding

Addressing Engorgement During Weaning

  • Express small amounts of milk to relieve discomfort
  • Wear a supportive bra to prevent pressure on the breasts
  • Avoid frequent pumping, as it stimulates milk production

Benefits of Breastfeeding for 2+ Years

  • Provides essential nutrients and boosts the immune system
  • Strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child
  • Breast milk contains antibodies that protect against illness
  • Supports the child's cognitive and emotional development

Impact of Extended Breastfeeding on the Child’s Immune System

  • Breast milk continues to provide antibodies and immune cells
  • Helps protect the child from illnesses
  • Reduces the risk of infections and chronic diseases

Effects of Breastfeeding for Two Years on the Mother

  • May reduce the risk of certain cancers (breast, ovarian)
  • May reduce the risk of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes
  • Promotes the release of oxytocin
  • Oxytocin aids in maternal bonding and post-partum recovery

Emotional Benefits of Breastfeeding for 2 Years (Child)

  • Promotes emotional security
  • Helps the child develop attachment
  • Gives the child a sense of trust in their caregiver

Breastfeeding and Introduction of Solid Foods

  • Solid foods should complement breastfeeding, not replace it
  • Breastfeeding should continue until at least 2 years
  • Solid foods are introduced as additional nutrition

Challenges of Weaning After Two Years

  • Emotional resistance from the child attached to breastfeeding
  • Changes in breastfeeding dynamics might cause some stress or confusion
  • Physical discomfort for the mother if the weaning process is too rapid

Cognitive Development and Extended Breastfeeding

  • Extended breastfeeding improves cognitive outcomes
  • Provides optimal nutrition for brain development
  • Contains fatty acids and enzymes
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer
  • Breastfeeding continues to provide health benefits for both mother and child

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