Is It Ok To Stop Breastfeeding At 9 Months?
Is it ok to stop breastfeeding at 9 months? Well breastfeeding is one of the most common concerns when it comes to new mums. And why not? It is not like they have done it before,
Without a hint of doubt, every mother wants the best for their babies. Breastfeeding is one of the main things that contribute to the health and growth of the baby.
Most parents consider breastfeeding as the best option for their baby. 96% of babies are breastfed right after birth. However, only 15% of the mothers continue breastfeeding five months later.
So, are you concerned if it is okay to stop breastfeeding your baby at 9 months old? Worry not; we are here to help you.
In this article, we shall proceed to take you through anything and everything about breastfeeding and when the correct time to stop it is.
Summary
- It totally depends on the mother when they want to stop breastfeeding.
- It is preferable to stick to only breastfeeding for the first six months. Then, slowly move over to formula or solid foods throughout the next six months alongside breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding, even when done for a short time period, can bring in benefits.
Is It Ok To Stop Breastfeeding At 9 Months?
A lot of young moms often ask,
“Does stopping breastfeeding affect the baby?”
Well, there is nothing necessarily wrong with stopping breastfeeding at nine months. While it is better to continue breastfeeding till the 12th month along with formula or solid foods, it is totally up to the mum and the baby if they still want to continue breastfeeding in the ninth month.
While there is nothing more nutritious for a baby than breastmilk, there are quite many babies who were never breastfed and yet turned out to be perfectly healthy and fine.
“If you stop before the baby is one year old, you need to replace the breastfeeding with formula. As long as you do that, there are no lasting effects. There are no proven lasting effects of formula feeding instead of breastfeeding despite the “lactivists” that will try to convince you differently. The only proven benefits of breastfeeding for the infant (stronger immune system and less gastric upset) are not lasting benefits because they only occur while the infant is still feeding.
You should do what is best for you and your family. If that means switching from breastmilk to formula, that is your business. It won’t harm your child, and your child has already benefitted from breastfeeding as long as you’ve done it.”
– Quora.
Effects Of Stopping Breastfeeding On A Baby
While there are no major side effects of stopping breastfeeding on your baby, as a mother, your body may go through certain changes that you were not prepared for.
Let us have a look at all those changes that you need to stay prepared for:
Your Emotions May Surprise You
Pregnancy and childbirth are all about hormones. Even for the ones who would be happy to get done with breastfeeding and pumping, the days after you wean might actually be pretty emotional for you. Some mums stay on the verge of tears, mildly depressed, or even sad that their baby will no longer require nursing. Others may even feel anxious, irritable, or moody.
Some mums feel a combination of emotions like grief, relief, or sadness about their loss of connection and the sweet snuggles they shared during the feeding time.
You can assume that the hormonal changes your body goes through contribute a portion of these major changes in your mood. When you breastfeed, the body produces two types of “feel good” hormones – oxytocin and prolactin. While prolactin produces the feeling of calmness, well-being, and relaxation, oxytocin is what we call the love hormone. It creates a cozy and warm feeling.
So, you may imagine how your body is going to react when there is a sudden drop in these hormone levels after months of breastfeeding your little one.
There Might Be A Change In Your Period
Some mamas may just get started with their periods again, even when they are breastfeeding. For the rest of them, their period may come back as they reduce the feedings. Either way, you will come across a few changes in your menstrual cycle once it comes back. Irregular periods are very normal during this time. Missing your period or getting it late is not something very unusual either. But do not worry. Give it a few months, and your periods will just come back to normal.
Some women also experience more intense periods after their pregnancy or weaning. They may even have to deal with more cramps and other symptoms of PMS. Others may experience fewer PMS symptoms with regular periods.
Your Will Might Still Produce Milk For A While
It may come as a surprise, but your body will still produce and leak very small amounts of milk even after you stop feeding your baby. It is a good idea to use some breast pads in case it gets out of hand. But there is nothing you need to worry about. This will stop soon.
Everybody is different. Therefore, the time it takes to completely stop producing milk may vary from one woman to the other. So, there is nothing you need to worry about.
Chances Of Other Strange Body Alignments
It is not unusual for you to go through migraines or headaches. There is also a high chance that you might go through exhaustion or feel dizzy right after weaning.
However, the worst is yet to come. If you already did not know about this, acne is one of the major concerns associated with weaning. A hormone change this big can really throw the body for a toss.
But in most cases, these symptoms wear out gradually after the hormones balance out a bit. If you feel like the symptoms you are facing are not lessening with time, you can schedule a time with your doctor.
How To Wean A Breastfeeding Baby?
Before you make the decision to wean, ask yourself if you are actually ready to wean your baby.
There are times when a mother feels tired with the number of times she has to breastfeed a baby. While it looks like the perfect bonding exercise between a mother and her little bean, it is indeed exhausting. It can even be overwhelming for some. Breastfeeding is a two-sided after. If you hate it, your baby is going to start picking on it too.
For a baby of 9 months old, if you are planning on weaning, you will have to start with bottle feeding as a substitute. It is preferable for babies to drink breastmilk till they turn one. So, the best way to keep the habit is to give them formula in a feeding bottle. Trust me, an older child will still accept milk in a cup, but a smaller one? They will throw a tantrum.
Keep in mind that weaning is a black-or-white thing. There is no grey area when it comes to weaning. Either you stop it completely or don’t at all. Reduce it gradually, and then come to a stop. The first few days are going to be difficult, especially with the baby missing “his” soft and comfortable breasts.
Signs Baby Is Ready To Wean From Breastfeeding
While some mothers are required to wean earlier than others, it is something kids do on their own. While it is not quite normal for a nine-month-old to let go of breastmilk, here are some symptoms you would want to look out for as your baby keeps growing:
- Seeming fussy or disinterested when nursing.
- Shorter sessions of nursing than before.
- Easy distractions while nursing.
- “Playing” around while nursing, like constantly biting or pulling on and off. Babies who start biting during nursing should be immediately taken off nursing and told, firm but calmly, “No biting. Biting hurts.”
- Nursing only for comfort. It is when they suck at the breast but do not draw out the milk.
Is There A Right Age To Stop Breastfeeding?
There is no right age for the baby for the baby to stop breastfeeding, at least not before they turn one. Depending on the age of the baby and their need for sucking, you may either wean to a bottle or a cup. If you stick to a bottle, eventually, you need to wean the baby from that, too.
If you are planning to stop breastfeeding, begin with the feed your baby is least interested in. However, do not stop with it all at once. You may even feel a need to comfort yourself because of the utter discomfort your breasts feel due to the missed feed.
The process is gradual, so you need not rush it. Once you make the decision, take small and steady steps. A slow reduction in the number of feeds protects the baby during their weaning period and helps you avoid issues like mastitis. If you are in quick need of a wean, get in touch with your paediatrician or your gynae. They will come up with options to stop breastfeeding that are safe for both you and the baby.
What If The Baby Is Not Ready To Wean?
Well, this is once again a very common problem with infants. While the mothers are all ready to quit breastfeeding, the kinds may not agree to do so. What approach you take will depend on the age of the child. There are a couple of ways to wean a baby.
Before you decide to wean your baby, make sure that you are comfortably sipping on a bottle, straw cup, or a sippy cup.
If the child can talk and properly understand, talk with them about this transition. Make them understand how you are going to stop the old ways and introduce better ways to feed them. You may also seek professional help if it becomes too much for you to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions!!! [FAQs]:
Here are some of the most searched questions on the internet about breastfeeding a baby. If there is anything missing in the content above, I am hoping these questions should answer them for you.
Ans: As per medical professionals, a baby should only be breastfed for the first six months. After that, they can start with formula or other solid food. But that should not stop their intake of breast milk. Both should go hand in hand.
Ans: You need to give yourself some time and wean as slowly as possible. This will make the overall transition pretty easy for you and easier for the baby as well.
Ans: You may utilize the pump to remove the little amount of milk, just to a point where you feel like you can deal with that “overly full” feeling. Completely emptying your breasts while weaning will not reduce the milk supply. Therefore, it is better to avoid long and frequent pumping sessions during this time.
Ans: This period of transition is different for every child. Some babies shift to a bottle pretty quickly and without any trouble. But for the others, it is a little difficult. Some babies, especially the smaller ones, are more likely to throw a tantrum when you take away “their” breasts from them. But, once you make the decision, stick to it. The kid may throw a tantrum, but they will slowly shit with time.
The Bottom Line
I hope by now you have gotten a fair idea of “Is it ok to stop breastfeeding at 9 months?”
While breastfeeding is the most nutritious way of feeding your baby, there are times when you need to bring it to a stop. While the baby will not necessarily deal with any major changes because of it, your body will. As a mother, you will deal with a couple of things, but that is only till the hormones are not in balance. There is also a high chance that the child may throw a tantrum, which is normal. But, once you have made the decision, stick to it under all circumstances.
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Haleigh Boehm
15 March, 2024
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