After a year of breastfeeding, I finished weaning my son completely to cow's milk last week. I haven't had any problems with engorgement or leaking but am concerned to go without my nursing pads--I don't want any embarrassing wet spots! My question is how long after nursing will I produce milk? At what point can I be confident that there won't be any embarrassing leaks? I am anxious to ditch my nursing pads and buy myself a "real" bra that fits!
No leakage for about a week and a half, and then last week my breasts were sore and I started to leak. I think I discovered the reason this morning: my pregnancy test was positive! I guess I'll hold off on those cute bras for another 2 years. By that time, "the girls" will have more than earned it!
As these moms have said, everyone is different. I remember, though, for me, buying and wearing that better fitting bra did wonders for helping me "dry up" quickly. The more support, the better.
And stay away from crying babies for a little while ! LOL ! I remember walking through a store one day, when a tiny baby began it's hunger cry and ...... wooooops !.... my milk "let down" !
I heard it could take up to a year, but every women is different. I never leaked after weaning my son. I was told if you feel engorgment at anytime to just pump to relieve the engorgment. Make sure you have NO stimulation, any stimulation could prolong the milk from stopping. If you have woken thru the night without leakage I would say you are pretty much dried up.
Hi T.,
Everyone is so different when it comes to being pregnant, giving birth, lactation and weaning. I didn't really leak after weaning per say, but I produced small amounts of milk for about a year after. I know that sounds crazy but it's true. I am not even sure that is normal. I followed all the rules when a person goes through the process of trying to stop lactation. I think it depends on the amount you produce as well. I was producing 42 oz a day and let me tell you, I don't think that's normal. So I think that is why it took for ever for me to get through it. I wish you luck and hope everything goes smoothly for you.
A. H.
I think this varies from mom to mom. Mine only took a couple weeks. That was after nursing about 22mo. The first week, I got engorged, then it quickly went away. That being said, I've heard from some women that they were still producing months later. I think if you notice you've lost about a cup size, you shouldn't have to worry about leaks anymore.
I'm surprised, but being a mom who has basically never leaked, I guess I wouldn't know, but I would suggest avoiding things that people say will help with milk supply (oatmeal, etc.) and use cabbage leaves (I have heard from so many people that it works) and there are other things you certainly shouldn't avoid, like sudephed (sp?), which nursing mothers shouldn't take because it dries out sinuses and milk ducts are sinuses. But go ahead and get that new bra! If you haven't had any leaking for a week, I wouldn't worry too much.
K.
It's true- everyone is different. I didn't nurse my first two kids- but I pumped for each of them for 3 months- and I produced milk for over a year after I quit! With my 3rd baby, I nursed her for 10 months and my milk supply slowed WAY down- but I was still producing milk when she turned 2!!
Hi T., First I would like to say, Congratulations for making it through one year of nursing!! KUDO's to You!!!
I noticed mom's were telling you about cabbage leaves--excellent idea.
Here are the steps: Buy only the green leafy cabbage, the more crisp the better, keep it in the bottom drawer of your refrigerator. Wear one to two leaves over each breast, depends on your cup size, under your bra. Make sure bra is snug, but not too constricting--binding is unhealthy and will cause clogged milk ducts. When the leaves become soft/wilty, usually 4 hours or so, depends on your body temp., change out the leaves. Of course, I would not wear these out, but wear them as much as possible through-out the day and all night for better results. Your milk should be gone within one to two weeks. Leakage can realistic come and go for two years, unexpectedly--I had not leaked for over a year and was visited a lactating/nursing friend and that brought on some leaking. Very Bizarre, but it happens. Also, if you are experiencing heavy leakage, try adding sage drops to grape juice and/or sage teas. These can be purchased at health/nutrition stores.
Like the other moms stated, every woman is different. The key is to stay comfortable during this process.
God Speed, M. N.
I don't know about the leaking, because I didn't really have much, but I finished nursing my daughter 8 months ago and I still have milk. I'm ready for it to go away.
Everyone is different. After weaning my son after a little over 2 years of nursing I never really leaked (just a few drops). I have a friend that if her breast gets squished she still leaks a little after 10+ years!
I would say that if you do leak it will be just a drop or two & your bra will soak that up. It shouldn't go through your shirt!
God Bless!
I was only nursing once a day at about a year. It took 3 wks to dry up. No leaks!
Ditto the cabbage leaves!!!
They really do work.
It depends on your body. But you can get a real bra if you aren't nursing and still add the nursing pad until you are sure you aren't still leaking. If you only have occasional small leaks, instead of buying nursing pads, you might try using the little cotton rounds in the cosmetic department. They don't have a wet proof back, but they will help you avoid a sudden leak through...Just an idea...It worked for me anyway and I nursed three of my kids long term. I typically dried up after four weeks completely, but had occasional leaks again during my period for quite a while...?? My doc said that was normal...
Congrats on weaning. That is an amazing freedom...To eat a meal or go somewhere without having to stop and nurse a kid. lol Worth every cold meal though..:)
I had a bit of trouble drying up after nursing for a year or so. My mid-wife suggested cold cabbage leaves on the breast. Wear them inside your bra day or night. Funny enough kind of looked and worked like a nursing pad.
Oh keep them in the fridge works best if cold.
If it's been a week with no leaks, you're probably fine. My daughter weaned herself at 11 months and my son at 13 months. I don't remember having any problems with leakage or engorgement after that, although like you I did continue to wear my nursing bra/pads for about a week after each. I say go get some cute bras and spoil yourself. You've earned it!
T.,
Moms report anything from 1 week to several months for milk to dry up completely. But you continue to have problem with leaking after this, you should check with your doctor to make sure your prolactin levels are within normal limits. As to the bra....everyone's different, but once any fullness from quitting has subsided, you can easily get fitted!
T., Lactation Consultant, Nurse
