Early Weaning: What You Should Be Vigilant Of

What Does Weaning Mean?

Weaning is the process of introducing a baby or young child to solid foods and gradually reducing their dependence on breast milk or formula. Weaning typically begins when a baby is around six months old, as this is when their digestive system is mature enough to handle solid foods. Weaning can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, as it can take some time for babies to get used to new tastes and textures. In order to ensure that babies get all the nutrients they need to support their growth and development, introduction to a variety of foods is needed. It is crucial to keep an eye out for your child’s readiness to begin weaning, such as being able to sit up and hold their head steady, showing an interest in food, and being able to pick up small pieces of food and put them in their mouth.

What Are the Types of Weaning?

There are two main types of weaning.

• Traditional weaning.

• Baby-led weaning.

In traditional weaning, babies are introduced with fruits and vegetables in the form of puree or mashed form and gradually introduce other foods such as meat, fish, and dairy.

In baby-led weaning, babies are allowed to feed themselves from the start, with soft finger foods such as pieces of cooked vegetables, fruits, and cheese.

What Is Premature Weaning?

Premature weaning refers to the practice of stopping breastfeeding or introducing solid foods to a baby before six months of age. Premature weaning can have negative effects on a baby's health and development, as breast milk and formula provide essential nutrients and immune protection that are important for a baby's growth and development. Premature weaning can occur for various reasons, such as a lack of support for breastfeeding, pressure to return to work or school, medical issues, or personal preference. It is important to keep in mind that the World Health Organization (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months of life and complementary feeding should be avoided until two years old. Additionally, it is important to monitor the baby's growth and development closely to ensure that they are meeting their nutritional needs.

What Could Be the Reasons for Premature Weaning?

There can be several reasons for premature weaning, including:

• Maternal Health Issues: If a mother has certain health issues, such as breast cancer, infections, or other medical conditions, she may be advised to stop breastfeeding or wean earlier than the recommended 6 months.

• Infant Health Issues: If an infant has certain health issues, such as failure to thrive, allergies, or other medical conditions, they may require special formulas or solid foods earlier than 6 months.

• Lack of Support: Some mothers may struggle with breastfeeding or feel unsupported in their efforts to breastfeed, which can lead to early weaning.

• Insufficient Breast Milk: The production of breast milk is reduced or the baby demands are high can be the reason for early weaning.

• Personal Choice: Some mothers may choose to wean early due to personal reasons, such as returning to work, or difficulty with breastfeeding.

It is important for mothers to receive adequate support and guidance on breastfeeding from healthcare professionals to help ensure that they are able to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose, and that provides the nutrition and health benefits.

Is Premature Weaning Good?

Weaning the child early enough is generally not advised because it can have a number of negative impacts for both mother and the child. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition and immune protection for infants, and premature weaning can increase the risk of infections, allergies, and other health problems in infants. In addition, premature weaning can be associated with a range of negative health outcomes for mothers, including an increased risk of breast cancer and postpartum depression.

While there may be certain situations where premature weaning is medically necessary or preferred by the mother, it is generally recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months of age and that should be continued for one year of age along with solid foods. This approach has been shown to provide optimal nutrition and immune protection for infants and promote maternal health and well-being.

What Are the Risks of Early Weaning?

There are several risks associated with early weaning, which is generally defined as the introduction of solid foods or other sources of nutrition before the recommended age of 6 months. These risks include:

1. Increased Risk of Infections: Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants against infections, and premature weaning can increase the risk of infections, including ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.

2. Allergies: Early weaning has been associated with an increased risk of allergies and eczema in infants.

3. Poor Nutrition: Solid foods are not as nutrient-dense as breast milk or formula, and premature weaning can lead to inadequate nutrient intake and poor growth and development.

4. Digestive Problems: Infants who are weaned early may have difficulty digesting solid foods, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

5. Decreased Maternal Milk Supply: If a mother stops breastfeeding or reduces the frequency of breastfeeding too early, her milk supply may decrease, which can make it difficult to resume breastfeeding later.

6. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: Premature weaning has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in mothers, while breastfeeding for longer times reduces the incidence of breast cancer.

Generally, newborns have to be breastfed exclusively for 6 months and should be continued till one year along with solid foods and this approach has been shown to provide optimal nutrition and immune protection for infants and promote maternal health and well-being.

Conclusion

Premature weaning can have negative consequences for both the mother and the baby. For the baby, premature weaning can lead to a higher risk of infections, allergies, obesity, and other health issues. Additionally, it results in emotional distress and prevents the bonding of the mother and the child. For the mother, premature weaning can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection. It can also increase the risk of breast cancer and other health issues. A lactation consultant or medical professional can offer support and direction if there are issues or difficulties with breastfeeding.