One observer asks:
A baby I was doing a case study on wanted to quit
nursing after 3 months. Her mother let her, there isn't a whole lot you can do
if she doesn't like to be breastfed, right? But it is suggested if at all
possible to breastfeed for at least a year, is that correct? But, about the
baby, what would you have suggested to the mother?
Actually, there is something you can do if a baby prefers bottlefeeding
over breastfeeding. Babies will often naturally prefer the bottle
over the breast, because milk flows easily out of bottles, while babies
must work to get milk out of a breast. This is why breastfed babies
need braces 50% less than bottlefed babies, because their jaws are
exercised when they nurse along with the entire palate whereas
bottlefeeding requires little energy. When babies suddenly wean
from breast to bottle, it is often called nipple confusion (if the baby
forgets how to feed), or nipple preference (if the baby begins refusing
to nurse).
Since your client was giving bottles, it may have been that this
was her preferred way to wean her baby. If she really didn't intend
to wean, then there are several preventative measures available.
- Don't give any bottles.
- Or, if baby does need a supplement (for example, if baby is wetting
less than 6-8 diapers per day), adminster the supplement with the
aid of a supplemental nursing system or a cup. Supplements
given this way are less likely to cause a preference away from
the breast.
- Mothers should be encouraged to nurse their newborns a minimum
of 8 times in 24 hours, and be informed that nursing more often is not
a sign of low milk supply but simply a baby's preference.
Oftentimes, when someone tells you that she weaned her baby early,
she is not looking for solutions, but for confirmation that she
did the right thing. You'll have to use your best judgement on
when to comfort and when to educate.
Good luck working with others, and you may want a copy of
The American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
on Breastfeeding.
These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your
healthcare provider if you have questions.
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