As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, you might be wondering about the best way to start breastfeeding just once or twice a day. Many mothers who are returning to work or have other commitments find this approach beneficial. Here’s how to make the transition smoother for both you and your baby.
Take Your Time
The key to successfully weaning your baby off daytime breastfeeding is to start gradually. Aim for at least two to three weeks before you need to be back at work. By slowly reducing the number of daytime nursing sessions, you allow your baby—and your body—to adapt. Abruptly stopping can lead to distress for your child and potentially cause breast engorgement or even mastitis.
Introduce the Bottle
Begin by replacing one of your daytime feeds with a bottle. It’s often helpful if your partner, a grandparent, or another caregiver can offer the bottle, as babies sometimes resist taking it from their moms due to confusion. However, if you need to do it yourself, just stay calm and patient. This is a big change for both of you!
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In summary, transitioning to breastfeeding just once or twice a day is entirely achievable with a bit of planning. Start slowly, introduce a bottle, and ensure you have the right support to make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your baby.