How long do you need breast milk for?Timing of weaning and breastfeeding

Many mothers after childbirth wonder “What should I do about breastfeeding, or should I stop?

While the term “breastfeeding cessation” is used to describe the cessation of breastfeeding for the mother's convenience, the concept of “natural breastfeeding,” in which the child leaves breastfeeding in a natural way and leaves it at the child's pace, has been gaining popularity recently.
There is also a method called “partial breastfeeding,” in which breastfeeding is stopped for a portion of a 24-hour day, and a method called “planned breastfeeding,” in which the number of feedings is gradually reduced while monitoring the child's condition and breast milk.

But then again, how long is breast milk really necessary?
When mothers begin to think about stopping breastfeeding, they may be troubled by the thought that it may actually be better for the child to continue, or that continuing may not be in the child's best interest.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should continue until the child is two years old or older. In Japan, the term “breastfeeding abstinence,” which means that a mother stops breastfeeding completely, was removed from the Maternal and Child Health Handbook in 2002.
It means that there are benefits to breastfeeding for a long time.
Now let's consider the benefits of breastfeeding.

☆Some of the benefits for children are

• ● Prevention of gastroenteritis caused by colds and other infectious agents
• ● Prevention of Obesity
• ● Higher cognitive function

and others.

☆ The benefits for moms are

• ● Contraceptive effect
• ● Lower risk of developing breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer
• ● Prevent osteoporosis and other diseases

and others.

☆ The benefits for both the child and the mom are

• ● The secretion of breast milk and skinship releases a happy hormone, oxytocin, which has a relaxing effect and makes the child feel truly happy more often.

this may be the case.

Thus, breastfeeding has various advantages for both mothers and children, so ideally, it is best if breastfeeding can be continued for a long time.
But should I still stop? Should I stop? It is common for people to wonder, “Should I stop?
In such cases, first think about your own reasons for stopping breastfeeding and make them clear so that you are satisfied. I want to avoid regret after stopping.

With moms and kidsIt is important to make a convincing choice

There are many circumstances that may lead you to decide to stop breastfeeding, but it is probably due to a mixture of various feelings such as dilemma, pressure, guilt, anxiety, and expectation. Some mothers make the following choices when they are in such feelings and situations.

《 1. Part of the Pawn Breast 》
This is a method in which breast-feeding is stopped only during working hours, or at night, or at a set time and frequency. Since the frequency of breastfeeding is reduced, it is necessary to pay attention to weaning and fluid intake.

《 2. Planned breast-feeding 》
This is a method of systematically stopping breastfeeding in preparation for the time when breastfeeding is no longer possible due to a strong desire to somehow stop breastfeeding by the time the mother returns to work or for treatment of her illness. Gradually transition to complete breastfeeding.

《 3. Natural Pawn Breasts 》
The goal is to watch over the child until he or she stops drinking on his or her own volition, and to achieve breastfeeding in a natural way. The timing varies from child to child.

The final choice of breastfeeding should be made by the mother and child, who should agree on the best time and method that they feel is best for the child.
Even so, it can happen that neither the mother nor the child feels right after actually trying it. There are many cases where a mother and child have tried a planned breast-feeding program, but have realized that it would be easier for both to continue, and have decided to let nature take its course. In such cases, you can simply change your mind and say, “Maybe the timing wasn't right,” and change course.
It's never a bad idea to start over, you know.

It is known that even after the child is over one year old, the nutritional components of breast milk as well as the immune components are still the same, so there is merit in continuing to let the child drink it.
It also has a positive effect on mental health and prevents the severity of infectious diseases.
Being held tightly and looking into each other's eyes while talking to each other fosters a sense of security and trust in the child's mind. With mom as a safe base, they expand their world.
So let's find a method of breastfeeding that makes sense for both mother and child.