Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

Weaning is defined as the process of gradually introducing other foods while simultaneously reducing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions. This gradual approach allows for a smoother transition for both the baby and the breastfeeding parent. It involves strategically introducing complementary foods based on the baby's developmental readiness while allowing them to continue receiving the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for as long as desired. This process respects the natural progression of a child's diet and is often tailored to individual circumstances, enabling both the parent and child to adapt comfortably.

The other options describe aspects that are not reflective of the weaning process. Increasing breastfeeding sessions would indicate a continuation or an increase in breastfeeding rather than a reduction. Immediate cessation of breastfeeding would not be considered weaning but rather abrupt weaning, which is typically not recommended due to potential emotional and physical stress on both the parent and the child. Exclusively feeding solid foods would mean eliminating breastfeeding entirely, which also does not describe the weaning process.