Carnage-free weaning: a survival guide for addicted moms and babies

Weaning; that moment sometimes dreaded during lwhen you realize that your baby is no longer that miniature, perpetually hungry little thing who lived literally suspended from your breast. Whether you've decided to stop because baby's biting a little too hard, because you're dreaming of getting your body back all to yourself, or simply because you feel it's the right time for both you and your baby, one thing's for sure: it's best to go gently, happily and in good spirits.

And good news: this new step won't stop you from wearing your favourite Milk Away clothes!

Also read: Our ABCDaire l breastfeeding

The ninja technique: slow down without rushing

Unsurprisingly, you don't go from 100% breast milk to 100% broccoli purée overnight. You go step by step, at the duo's pace and over a period generally stwo to three weeks. Lidea is to gradually reduce the number of feeds, starting with those that seem the least important for baby (often those during the day). Replace them every 3 to 4 days with a bottle, a sippy cup or a solid snack, depending lyour child's age. And remember, Rome s't built in a day.

Operation camouflage: diverting l

Your baby is a great little detective. He can sense that something is going on even before you say "stop". Tip number 1: Change routine and location. If you lto lon the sofa in the living room, try the bedroom instead, with a story or even an improvised song (yes, even if you sing off-key, baby loves you anyway). In the morning? A long cuddle under the comforter. In the evening? An interactive book that beeps and flashes in all directions. Lidea is to offer him comfort in a different way.

Another solution that can make a difference is to delay lusual feeding time, with lidea of gradually reducing the number of feeds over the course of the day. An outing to the park, a moment of play or a sensory activity can help pass the time and distract ldesire. Sometimes, offering a bottle of water instead is enough to satisfy the need to suck and soothe. The important thing is to establish new, reassuring habits that gradually replace this familiar moment, without rushing it.

Lart of saying no (without guilt)

Your baby won't be thrilled at first. He'll protest (get out the earplugs), try to negotiate (with pleading looks and existential mini-crises). This is normal. Remain zen and firm, yet benevolent. Just explain that the feed will gradually disappear, but that you're always there to reassure him.

A little tip: call on parent number 2, if you have lon hand. Baby often accepts change better if dad, mom or another reassuring figure takes over when it's lto fall asleep or wake up at night.

Read also: Gentlemen, your moment of glory has arrived

And to avoid the trap of feeding "for fun" (you know, the one where baby feeds for three seconds just to check that the bar is still open), offer him a nice alternative: a snuggle, a nursery rhyme or a favorite stuffed toy that he can chew on at leisure.

SOS breasts in distress: managing the practical side

Weaning gently also means taking it easy on your body. Reduce gradually lavoid engorgement and mastitis lhell. If necessary, express a little milk to relieve tension (but without over-stimulating, so as not to restart the machine). Another tip for soothing tense breasts: cold cabbage leaves (yes, seriously) or a gentle massage lsweet almond oil.

And if you're wondering what to do with that milk you're pumping "just for relief"? No need to feel guilty or throw it away. The Insta Milk Away pageshares lots of good ideas for recycling it, including recipes. A bit like an anti-waste guide to white l.

The little extra? Think comfort in every situation. It's hard enough weaning lbaby, but you deserve to get through this stage in style and well-equipped. At Milk Away, we know these moments by heart - and we extend them gently with nursing pieces with invisible zips, so discreet that no one will guess their secret. How does it work? You continue to wear them long after the feeds, just because they're beautiful, comfortable and well-cut. Clothes designed to stay with you for a long time, without ever betraying their (former) role.

We keep telling ourselves: patience and kindness

The watchword? Patience. For you and for baby. Weaning is a transition, not an abrupt break. Each mother-baby duo has its own rhythm, and limportant thing is to respect yours. So take a deep breath, put on your best Milk Away outfit, and savor these last moments of milky complicity. And if you ever feel a little tear coming to your eye as you think back on those breastfeeding moments, know that it's perfectly normal to feel nostalgic... and that a good square of chocolate is always an excellent solution to anything.

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Photo credit: Unsplash - Rainier Ridao