cold turkey weaning

[mizznicole]

What do you think about it?

The book How Weaning Happens seems to suggest it's slightly better than gradual weaning, that it's actually the more traditional practice to put some bitter herbs on the breast, etc.

I know of only one mother who did something along this line. She left her son with DH for the weekend. She was actually from my LLL group and her son was around 2.

[PatioGardener]

I wouldn't do it unless I absolutely had to. It sounds traumatic for mom and baby, and a really good way to get mastitis.

[Heavenly]

I think it is an absolutely horrible thing for a parent to do to a child. If a parent wants to do it they shouldn't try and justify it by saying it's the best way to do it. I don't know how anyone could think it is the best way. Take what is probably the most important thing in a young child's life and then rip it away from them completely - how is that better than gently and gradually easing up until a natural finish for both. No contest IMO.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I agree with Heavenly said it much better than I could have.

[MountainMamaGC]

I think it depends on how old the child is. I think its good to get the child down to 2 to 3 feedings a day before going cold turkey but some moms cant even get down that much. I know some moms that had to do cold turkey because their child would not acccept the gradual weaning process. I am all for BBI as long as its a mutually desired relationship. When the mom is over it and its making her unhappy then its time to quit. A happy mom is more important to a child that one who is miserable and breastfeeding IMHO.

Again its easier on the mom and the child if a gradual wean can happen but there are some unique situations where it just doesnt work out that way.

I am so lucky that my DD has made the gradual wean easy on me, but I cant say I wouldnt do cold turkey if it was going really bad for us.

[Delicateflower]

Originally Posted by mizznicole

The book How Weaning Happens seems to suggest it's slightly better than gradual weaning, that it's actually the more traditional practice to put some bitter herbs on the breast, etc.

I don't think you're reading the book I read! I think cold turkey weaning is just plain mean.

[OTMomma]

Traditional does not mean better.