After 17 months of breastfeeding, celebrity mom Anne Curtis felt "melancholic" as she slowly weans baby Dahlia.
What can you read in this article?
- Anne Curtis' Breastfeeding journey
- What is gentle weaning all bout
- Tips on how to wean a baby
Anne Curtis and her husband, Erwan Heusaff welcomed baby Dahlia on March 2, 2020. Her baby girl Dahlia was born in Australia, she recalled that it was a last-minute decision to leave the Philippines.
Anne had plans ready here in the Philippines until she realized that going to Australia will be the only one stopping her from work and prioritize her baby.
Another major factor in deciding to go to Australia is her mom.
"Having her helped me through it. Parang nandun na lang ako para mas tahimik, mas quiet, I can really just focus on the first few weeks and months of my baby daughter’s life."
Anne and Erwan together with baby Dahlia, have been in the country for almost 8 months now after giving birth and having some time in Australia.
Anne Curtis' journey on breastfeeding
On August 6, 2020, Anne opens up about breastfeeding via her Instagram account.
In her caption, she stated that her journey wasn't an easy start.
"I will share that it wasn’t an easy start (everyone has their own journey), but I didn’t give up because I know the benefits of breastmilk for babies. I wanted to give my little one the best nutrition I could," Anne wrote.
She also went on sharing information for safe breastfeeding amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This includes wearing a mask especially if they have symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sanitizing hands, and maintaining social distancing from others.
"I just wanted to add - to the mamas who truly tried their best but BF didn’t work for them, you do you. Making sure your baby is nourished is what matters the most" Anne added.
Anne on slowly weaning baby Dahlia
As shared on Instagram last August 8, 2021, Anne said that her journey was an unforgettable one.
“17 months of breastfeeding in some pretty random places. It wasn’t easy. I had my own struggles but it’s been an unforgettable first-time journey so far. One I’ll always cherish. All the little moments shared between her and I (hair pulling and biting included)”, she wrote
When she began weaning baby Dahlia, she felt some struggles because her hormones started changing.
"When I started dropping feeds (when food became her main source of nutrients), my hormones started changing and I was just very quiet and felt somewhat melancholic.. I didn’t really notice till Erwan called me out."
Upon experiencing the changes, Anne researched and learn that it happens naturally. She shares,
"Did myself some reading and learned that it’s because of a drop of prolactin and oxytocin levels when you start to lessen feeds.
But since I am weaning slowly, and breastfeeding only 2-3 times a day na lang , it’s become somewhat a gentle wean that’s helped me not have such an abrupt shift in hormones... but there’s definitely something that changes."
At the end of her post, Anne gave an encouraging message to moms who also experience the same way she does.
"You do you. You and your doctors will know what works for your little one and will keep them happy, busog and content."
Image from Anne Curtis's Instagram account
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Say bye- bye to your child’s bottle with these weaning tips!
On weaning a baby
According to KidsHealth, weaning is when a baby moves from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. Weaning your baby is a process that takes patience and understanding from both you and your child.
Tips on how to wean a baby
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends feeding babies with breastmilk utmost at 6 months. After that, AAP recommends mixing baby food and breast milk until the baby is 1 year old.
Although most experts agree that breastfeeding can be prolonged as long as it is good for the mother and baby. Many moms prefer to wean their baby after turning 1.
Other moms also breastfeed longer than one year, this is also known as extended breastfeeding. Extended breastfeeding is a healthy and reasonable option for babies and moms who are not yet ready for weaning.
At a time where moms decided to wean their baby, it is important to take the process slowly.
Ways on how you can wean your baby gently
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Go slowly
When it comes to slowly remove the habit of breastfeeding, you should take it slowly. This is for moms to prevent breast engorgement and ease their baby's anxiety. It will allow your milk supply to decrease in a more natural state.
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Consider skipping a bottle
If your baby is older than 9 months, this will be a great time to introduce your baby to sippy cups and solid food. It will be a good idea to introduce your baby to cups before turning one so they will get comfortable drinking and holding it.
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Increase attention
Moms and babies might miss the intimacy when it comes to breastfeeding. It is important to give your baby the extra attention they need during the process of weaning.
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Let your child pick up a comforting habit
If your baby picks up a habit like thumb sucking or getting attached to a blanket, don't discourage it. Your baby might be still on the stage of adjusting to the emotional changes of weaning.
How moms might feel during the process of weaning
Moms like Anne makes the decision to wean with mixed feelings and emotions. It might bring a melancholic atmosphere, you might felt freer but the bond that you created with your baby will definitely be missed by many moms. Some moms find it hard to let go.
Expect a wide range of emotions, changes, and struggles but it will be all worth it. Knowing that your baby is finally growing into a child, there will be a lot more memorable and countless days of nurturing them.
Source:
ABSCBNNews, MayoClinic, KidsHealth