Breastfeeding a baby can be difficult at first, for both the mother and the child. Although each mother’s experience is different, it’s crucial to know when and how to safely stop breastfeeding in order to preserve one’s physical and mental health. Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky has offered helpful advice on how to stop nursing a baby easily and stress-free.
We will examine Dr. Komarovsky’s suggestions for a quick and easy lactation termination in this post. His counsel is grounded in his extensive knowledge of the psychological and physiological aspects of breastfeeding, as well as his years of experience and understanding of the process.
Whether you’re thinking about weaning your child for lifestyle, health, or personal reasons, Dr. Komarovsky’s advice can help you make the transition in a way that’s comfortable and healthy for both of you.
When to stop?
For a newborn, breast milk is an extremely valuable and nutritious product. No combination, no matter how sophisticated, costly, or specially designed, can match the nourishment that nature provides for a baby. According to Evgeny Komarovsky, a person no longer has a biological need for breast milk once teeth erupt. His body starts to need a qualitatively different food composition than what his mother’s breast can provide when he is able to consume thicker food. This happens following the child’s first birthday.
A mother should keep in mind that she is a social being as well as a walking milk factory when deciding whether or not to stop breastfeeding. She must fulfill her social obligations as well as her biological one, which is to feed her child, by going out, working, communicating, and studying.
Ultimately, it is also impossible to rule out the chance that she will become ill and require drugs that are incompatible with breastfeeding.
It is their business if proponents of breastfeeding for up to three years wish to disregard the mother’s social roles and personal preferences. A child who is two years old or older will not be harmed by breast milk. However, it won’t be very beneficial either.
According to Komarovsky, a mother who has faithfully breastfed her child for up to a year can feel at ease because she has completely carried out her biological obligation. After a year, it’s time to consider weaning your child off of breast milk.
Where to start?
Komarovsky cautions that it is hard to get started. When a baby reaches the age of 12 or 14 months, they are likely to know exactly what a delicious mother’s tit is, so they are unlikely to give it up easily. He will scream, throw tantrums, demand things, and fight like it’s the last time.
Not every mother can handle these circumstances, not even the most anxious ones. She will eventually give in and let you get away with a little shit, at which point you will have to start over. While the child irritates the nipple’s receptors, lactation cannot be stopped.
Gathering courage and realizing that the baby’s reliance on nursing is psychological rather than physiological, and that he will already be able to lead a normal life without breast milk, are necessary before starting the weaning process. Valerian is something that mom and grandma, along with other family members who share a residence, should stock up on.
Evgeny Komarovsky says it’s best to keep mom and baby apart for a couple of days. For the baby to learn how to survive without breast milk, mom only needs to be sent to the country or a sanatorium for five to seven days. The child might attempt to reclaim the pleasure that was taken away from them after mom returns, but this should be firmly discouraged. The infant will undoubtedly be unhappy and possibly cry. However, mom shouldn’t reverse her decision because doing so will make the weaning process drag on for months or years and cause great moral suffering for everyone in the household.
If warnings are ineffective, try ruining the flavor of milk. Komarovsky claims that eating garlic or smearing mustard on the nipple will suffice for this.
After being breastfed with such a "product" multiple times, the child will carefully consider whether to ask for it again or not the next time. This approach does not work for every baby, though; for some, the strong smell of their mother’s "garlic" milk does not bother them at all.
The claim made by Evgeny Komarovsky that a child experiences the most stress and trauma throughout their life when they are not breastfed is unfounded. All of this is conjecture from mothers who support breastfeeding for up to five years but are distant from psychology and medicine. If the mother does all the right things, the baby will experience very little stress and quickly forget it. This implies swiftly, firmly, and permanently.
The best time
According to Evgeny Komarovsky, you can stop feeding at any time of the year. It makes no difference if it’s summer or winter outside. Nonetheless, it matters to know if the child is prepared for change. There are a few circumstances where delaying weaning is preferable:
- Baby"s illness. If he feels bad, it is not the best idea to make it worse.
- Painful teething. If the process is in full swing, it is better to give the usual breast and not to injure the already inflamed gums. In addition, breast milk contains a large number of antibodies to various infections, and it has antibacterial properties.
- Change of environment. If you yourself are going to move or go on vacation with your child in a week or two, you should not start weaning. It is better to leave it for later, when the child gets into a familiar environment.
In a few days after healing, you can get started on your plans.
People used to think that breastfeeding couldn’t end during the summer, and at the time, that belief made sense because intestinal infections almost always increased after breast milk was stopped. In the twenty-first century, it is possible to stop breastfeeding a baby without any issues as long as the mother follows basic hygiene guidelines.
Dr. Komarovsky highlights the significance of a gradual and gentle approach in his recommendations for the appropriate and prompt cessation of breastfeeding, guaranteeing the comfort of both the mother and the infant during the transition. He advises gradually cutting back on feedings, providing the child with alternate dietary options, and attending to their emotional needs. She should be patient with the process because abruptly weaning the baby can be stressful for the mother as well as the child. For a safe and easy weaning process, Dr. Komarovsky also suggests speaking with a medical expert.
Cessation of lactation
Because the psychomotor mechanism of breast milk production is so stable, it is very difficult to stop. However, according to Evgeny Olegovich, nothing is impossible. If the child has completed the first stage, known as weaning, and the mother has put up with the child’s incessant wailing for a few days, it’s imperative to ensure that the milk output is as low as possible.
The doctor advises consuming less liquid as a result. The mother does not have to dry herself out to death because of this. All that is required is that you continue to adhere to the drinking schedule that was established during lactation and maintain it at that point. Even if the child becomes ill a few days after the campaign to wean him from the breast begins, you should never express milk. The process of production begins with expression.
Komarovsky strongly suggests that the mother take part in physical exercise. She should run, perform push-ups and pull-ups, lift weights, or do anything else that will increase her sweating. The production of breast milk will decrease with increased perspiration.
In addition, you can tie the breast with a sheet if a woman finds that the previously mentioned measures do not provide much relief. Russian women now have access to alternative techniques that are regarded globally as more refined. Their foundation lies in the use of medications that obstruct lactate production at the hormonal and chemical levels.
Among the medications that inhibit prolactin production are "Bromcriptine" and "Dostinex," in particular. However, it is best to begin taking medication only after seeing a physician. The mother can also benefit from linden flowers and sage infusion, which she can make and consume in moderation.
| Tips from Doctor Komarovsky | Description |
| Gradual Reduction | Komarovsky advises to slowly decrease the number of breastfeeding sessions rather than stopping suddenly. |
| Offer Alternatives | During the weaning process, offer your child alternative foods or drinks like formula or cow"s milk, depending on age. |
| Comfort and Patience | It"s important to stay calm and patient as weaning can be stressful for both mother and child. |
| Avoid Engorgement | To prevent discomfort, Komarovsky suggests expressing a small amount of milk when needed, but not to fully empty the breasts. |
| Emotional Support | Weaning can be an emotional experience, so Komarovsky recommends giving your child extra attention and care during this period. |
When a mother is ready to stop nursing, Dr. Komarovsky provides straightforward guidance. Weaning doesn’t have to be a stressful process if it’s carried out gradually and with compassion. The body can adapt naturally by gradually cutting back on feedings, which will ease the transition for both the mother and the child.
Since each baby is unique, it is imperative that you pay attention to your child’s level of readiness. While some people may stop nursing quickly, others might require more time. To make sure that everyone involved has a good experience during this time, it is important to be understanding and accommodating.
Dr. Komarovsky also stresses that during the weaning process, mothers should look out for their own comfort and wellbeing. Simple actions like expressing a small amount of milk can help relieve pressure and prevent complications if discomfort or pain occurs.
Overall, lactation termination can be handled delicately and carefully under Dr. Komarovsky’s supervision, which will help the mother and child as they progress to the next developmental stage.
