A Celebration of Weaning
In Biblical times, weaning was considered a joyous time, a time of celebration. In those days, many children did not live past infancy or early childhood. If a child made it to weaning, she had a better chance of making it to adulthood and continuing to be healthy. Weaning tended to occur somewhere between 2-5 years of age. It is thought that Jesus weaned at around age 4.
It was the Jewish custom to hold a celebration when weaning took place. In Genesis 21:8 it says, “The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great banquet on the day of the child’s weaning.” (1)
Even though the infant and early childhood mortality rate is a lot lower now, we can still celebrate weaning. It can be something special between mom and child or brothers and sisters and dad can be part of it, too. You can have a special outing or a little party at home with cake and balloons. Some moms make or purchase a momento of the occasion. Other moms take special pictures and make a scrapbook. Be creative! The possibilities are endless!
Before thinking about weaning and creating a weaning party, you will want your child to be close to weaning and ready for this transition. You want it to be a happy time, not a traumatic event. Ideally your child will be older than two years old. Both WHO and AAP recommend breastfeeding for at least two years and for longer if mom and baby both desire to continue. Often a weaning celebration is given when a 3 or 4 year old is getting ready to wean, because they can understand more and tend to be more ready. However, every child is different.
If your child seems close to weaning, you could talk to her about the possibility of weaning and the idea of a weaning party. If she seems upset or is too young to understand, this may not be the right time for weaning. It is probably best to wait a few months before bringing it up again.
Another option is to hold a weaning party after your child stops nursing. Moms who are letting their child decide when to wean might like this option better.
It is completely normal to feel sad when your child weans! And it is also completely normal to be ready for your child to wean! Give yourself time to work through any emotions you are feeling.
For some ideas of what a weaning celebration might look like, here are some nice webpages I found:
The Last Shred of Babyhood: Weaning Party Part 2
Commemorate Your Breastfeeding Journey
Child Led Weaning: Lily’s Story
Reference:
(1) What was the significance of weaning a child in the Bible?
Written by Gina M. Peterson
Did you have a weaning party for your child? Please tell me about it in the comments! Thanks!
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