The Concept of Weaning: Definitions and Their Implications

Abstract

"Weaning" is usually said to refer to the entire process during which the infant changes from full dependence on breast milk to complete independence from it. However, "wean" is sometimes used to refer to provision of an "educational diet" during the first six months when exclusive breastfeeding is the ideal; to complementary feeding; to replacement of breastmilk; or to the cessation of breastfeeding. The processes involved are illustrated by a graph that theoretically compares the infant's nutritional needs with the proportion of those needs that can come from breastmilk under ideal circumstances. The development of consistent, relevant research, policies and programs on young child feeding may be particularly hindered by the failure to discriminate between complementation and replacement.