Ready to Wean: The Return of the Dangling Red Earrings (Family and World Health / We Like to)

The transition from nursing to weaning is a rite of passage. It can either be a time full of stress, regret and confusion, or a joyous celebration of growth.
Ready to Wean is for mothers and nursing children, to help them both communicate their deep love and respect for one another. The author believes that it is never too early for moms and dads to talk to their baby with tenderness and dignity, and to explain that nursing together is a cherished and special time. Yet, when mother no longer chooses this mutual task, or for health or other reasons cannot continue, then it is better for parent and child to begin the weaning.
There is no other book like this, although many adult books are devoted to the process of weaning, in depth. Ready to Wean is a children's picture book, designed to empower mothers in the weaning process. The friendly text reassures and prepares the child, in a confident way, for this new stage of growth, and bolsters mother's confidence that she will continue to grow with her child, beyond this particular form
Already, national and state WIC (Women, Infants and Children) agencies are asking about the appearance of this book, calling it a crucial addition to the literature. Without making any general statement about how long nursing should continue, the book cleverly and gently allows each mom to insert her own deadline date, and encourages her to start planning for this date with her child. The author knows that parents and children will be sharing this bonding experience differently, and so she suggests many lovely, nurturing alternatives that babies and young children can relate to, as the date approaches.
The emotions a woman feels in pregnancy and mothering are powerful. And with nursing, these emotions are transmitted to the child, consciously or not. Many women are troubled as weaning approaches. They sometimes feel guilty, holding themselves to an unrealistic standard of perfection. They know that generally their child loves to nurse. Preparing the child for weaning is an invaluable means to avoid any shock or trauma to either mother or child. The warm and playful illustrations of master artist Diane Iverson convey a mood of joyfulness and new experience for the child, and support to any mom.

Elyse April is a licensed (New York State) early-childhood educator, with a master's degree in Early Childhood Education. A private school elementary teacher for ten years. Elyse has more recently taught theatre classes in a special program for youth-at-risk. She is a freelance publicist who has been working with books for children and parents on family health issues. She is committed to the promotion of breastfeeding as a national priority. She is the author is several books for children and parents, including We Like to Read, We Like to Eat Well, and We Like to Move

Diane Iverson (1950- ) was born in Fresno, California, and raised in the small farming community of Kerman, just 15 miles to the west. Her parents and grandparents farmed there, raising cotton, alfalfa and dairy cattle. She has authored and/or illustrated several children's picture books, including "Discover The Seasons," "My Favorite Tree," which was awarded Outstanding Book by Parent Council, Ltd., in 1999; "Forest Alphabet Encyclopedia" and "The Mystery of Blackbird Pond." She illustrates primarily in colored pencil.

Deborah Auletta is a nurse and a certified lactation. She works with babies and new moms at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Prescott Valley, Arizona