This is such a sensitive topic! My first inclination, if a mom just called and asked "how do I wean the baby" - is to ask my "13 questions" - trying to get a "feel" for what her reasoning is. Usually this question has to do with improper information, social pressure, MD pressure (she's pregnant, she's tired, she's got too much to handle). In addition, I know most women have been able to wean just fine without an LC's help - so I assume she's calling me to get help breastfeeding, not weaning! However, there are times when the decision, for whatever reason, is made and she needs help - her baby is 3 months, 6 months, 18 months, 24 months. The weaning process is different with each age/stage, the foods to replace the breast milk is different, the "mother contact" still needs to continue, and I assume an LC is the right person to assist. I then provide the information and support - not because she needs my "permission" to wean - but because she needs my expertise to wean in the most positive way possible. I will never forget the mom who had to take radioactive treatment for her thyroid (2 year old) - or the mother who wanted to wean her 3 month old because she was overwhelmed with work/pumping/etc. Both got the correct information - and the support for their decision. This is one of the reasons that we are IBCLCs - I'm always concerned when those who have only worked with moms and babies in the hospital assume they can be IBCLCs - there's so much more to Lactation than the initiation! Jeanette Panchula, RN, IBCLC Vacaville, CA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html