Ready to Wean: or The Return of the Dangling Red Earrings

by April, Elyse; Iverson, Diane; Auletta, Deborah, R. N.

• ISBN13: 9781935387305
• ISBN10: 1935387308
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-10-01
• Publisher: Scb Distributors

Summary

The transition from nursing to weaning is a rite of passage. It can either be a time full of stress, regret and confusion, or a joyous celebration of growth. This book is for mothers and nursing children, to help them both communicate their deep love and respect for one another. The author believes that it is never too early for mums and dads to talk to their baby with tenderness and dignity, and to explain that nursing together is a cherished and special time. Yet, when mother no longer chooses this mutual task, or for health or other reasons cannot continue, then it is better for parent and child to begin the weaning. There is no other book like this, although many adult books are devoted to the process of weaning. Ready to Wean is a childrens picture book, designed to empower mothers in the weaning process. The friendly text reassures and prepares the child, in a confident way, for this new stage of growth, and bolsters mother's confidence that she will continue to grow with her child, beyond this particular form. Already, national and state WIC (Women, Infants and Children) agencies are asking about the appearance of this book, calling it a crucial addition to the literature. Without making any general statement about how long nursing should continue, the book cleverly and gently allows each mum to insert her own deadline date, and encourages her to start planning for this date with her child. The author knows that parents and children will be sharing this bonding experience differently, and so she suggests many lovely, nurturing alternatives that babies and young children can relate to as the date approaches.

Excerpts

Babies sure like to nurse, a lot - Anytime ... anywhere ...Sometimes mommies have to find unusual places that are just right for nursing.Sometimes mommies have to take off silly hats or dangling red earrings when little fingers begin to wander.Mommies may have to nurse in unusual positions.Little ones need lots of nourishment and closeness besides nursing... Nourishment from Mommy . . . from Daddy . . . from other special people.Someday, Mommy or the little one may be ready to wean. Mommy may say, "Today we will start nursing a little bit less and, when you are ____________________ (fill in the blank with child's age, indicating time you will stop nursing)we will stop nursing and be close in other ways... like cuddling and reading books, or, singing silly songs, or, watching the clouds together.Weaning means that we are beginning to stop our breastfeeding. How long this takes will depend on both Mommy and her little one.Mommy's milk is just the first of many winning tastes... like juicy red strawberries floating in your cereal.Or, fresh ripe peaches dripping down your chin.Or, crunchy carrots dipped in nut butter.As we grow older, our tastes in many things change.One day Mommy will wear her silly hats again... and her dangling red earrings.Mommy will still be close by as her little ones begin to explore the world."Hey kids, wait for me!”-THE END