In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Adina Kopinsky and Jill Demirci speak with Dr. Melissa Theurich about her Breastfeeding Measurement article “What Does It Mean to Wean?”
The conversation explores how the term “weaning” is inconsistently used across cultures, research, and clinical care, often leading to confusion. Dr. Theurich and her co-authors propose replacing the term with five more precise alternatives to improve clarity in research and practice.
Key takeaways:
"Weaning" can mean starting solids, stopping breastfeeding, or changing feeding methods, all depending on context
Misuse of the term “weaning” can impact research quality and patient care
Clarity in language helps clinicians communicate better and supports stronger science
Links to the article:
Breastfeeding Measurement—What Does It Mean to Wean?
Theurich MA, Fischer L, Gencel-Augusto J, Chetwynd E. Breastfeeding Measurement—What Does It Mean to “Wean?”. Journal of Human Lactation. 2025;41(2):185-190. doi:10.1177/08903344251320034
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