Weaning - Downers Grove, IL

Weaning can be tough but you know your family best and I'm sure you are making the best decision, so don't let anyone get you down about the weaning!

When I decided to stop EP-ing (different I know, but I was pumping 8 times a day for 20 minute sessions so I was still producing a ton) I would go as long as I could stand it before pumping again. Then, I would ONLY pump just long enough to take the 'edge' off and stop. At first I could go 8 hours, then 12, then 18, and eventually it got easier and easier.

If you make the decision to be done with nursing, then be done with it. If you want to continue to nurse once a day, then that's fine too. Whatever your choice, just be consistent for the sake of your child. If you are completely done with nursing, then either pump or hand-express to comfort.

I was only feeding once a day when I quit bf last time(he was 13 months). I was so full and so sore I had to pump a little once or twice just so I could sleep, just enough to take the pain away. can you pump so you don't have to put him back on? My Dr. said it could take up to a month( luckily it was about 2 weeks). Cold cabbage leaves?

NO you can't start again. It's too confusing to the baby. The dr.am give you a shot to dry the milk production and you can wear a binder.Milk flow will also slow on its own if you don't pump or feed inbetween. Happy Mothers Day hon.

I felt full for a few days, and then, after a week or so, I noticed a few little "bumps" so I had to express some milk for a few days. Just watch for bumps or pain. It was painless and just took about 2-3 weeks for everything to return to normal.

L.:

it will go away in time/ pump or nurse to comfort.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

L.,

Here's a wonderful organization that would address any type of breastfeeding questions.
www.llli.org

Go ahead and nurse a little to relieve the discomfort. WHy did you stop? Did the baby want to stop? You can still do one or two feedings a day to help baby's immunity for the next year. Nursing to at least two is really great for them. You don't have to do it a lot, but the more gradually you wean, like over the next couple months, the less pain you will have.

When my first weaned himself at 19 months, I had gotten down to feeding only in the morning and at nap time. Maybe you can do something like this for the time being?

If you are set on weaning, just express enough to relieve the pressure. But nursing past the first year is fine and is in fact ideal. :)