Gradual weaning and oral care management of prolonged breast-feeding based on family preferences

There are no guidelines about when breast-feeding (BF) should be discontinued. In addition, investigators have not examined patient-provider communication regarding weaning strategies based on function and oral care management during prolonged BF.

Suggestions to wean do not include strategies about how to achieve discontinuance. The authors conducted this case study to assist care providers in facilitation of such discussions with parents to minimize the risk of developing dental caries in older children who are breast-fed. The authors conducted a functional behavior assessment of BF and used the results to inform strategy development. The parent successfully implemented the suggested strategies to wean the child from BF with minimal problem behavior by the child.

From the outcome of this case report, the authors developed an algorithm based on family preferences and behavioral functions to assist parents with gradual weaning and oral care management during prolonged BF.