Weaning After 14 Months...

Did you gradually wean your son or did he stop cold turkey?

I had my son down to nursing twice a day when he decided he was done (13 months old). This really helped my milk to dry up. I did pull out my pump a couple times when I felt engorged but didn't get much milk. After a couple of days I started to feel normal again.

I did feel sad for about two weeks. It's definitely an adjustment. We had many times during the day when we would sit and cuddle which seemed to help both of us.

I just had to start thinking of it as a new phase of his life was beginning. He was moving on to bigger and better things! :)

I was just talking with a naturopath last night about my hormones still seeming out of whack since I quit breastfeeding my daughter a year ago at 16 months. She strongly recommend that I get on evening primrose oil. It really helps you regulate your hormones. I am heading out to get some today. You should try it as well. Good luck.

Gina ~
Try wearing a sports bra...the tighter the better. We sometimes will bind breasts of moms who don't want to breast feed....we have a 4 inch-wide ace wrap and wrap it somewhat tight over a bra. Ice packs can help, as well as cabbage leaves. The cabbage leaves are form-fitting, cold, which feels good, and there's something about cabbage that can help dry up your milk.

The crying and stuff could be hormones. They play a big part in nursing. Plus, it could just be that you feel like it's an end to a stage with your son, so that's emotional.

You will gain some weight, because breast-feeding uses up about 500 - 1000 more calories per day. Going to the gym will help with that...and probably helps you work out your emotions as well.

D.

Hi Gina, totally normal. Your body has been producing milk for a long time, and now it has to adjust not to. I'm glad you have energy to work out. For me, it took about 1 month to regulate, but it was only bad at first. All o fyour symptoms are normal. Prolactin, the hormone that lets you make milk, is also a 'happy' hormone. So as ayour body adjusts to not producing it, you will feel differently. It is amazing to me how much of us is ruled by hormones. Your breasts will feel better in about a week, and watch out for redness, tender spots that could be a plugged duct leading to an infection. hang in there!

Gina,
Unfortunately, I think the tenderness is just something that we all go through. i weaned gradually, and was still very sore for over a week. it gradually went away. If the tenderness is in one area, you may have a breast infection. As for the hormones, i didn't experience that. If you still have these issues after a few more days, i would see your doctor.

Sorry to hear that.. that must be frustrating. I'd check with LaLeche League.. maybe they'd have some advice.

Are you having a tough time because you weren't ready to stop nursing? Or is there a possibility that you're pregnant? I nursed my daughter until 15 months and didn't experience tender breasts or moodiness at all when she finally weaned.
But I know moodiness and tender breasts are a symptom of pregnancy-- and for me, working out helped with those symptoms.
Good luck! If it is just the weaning causing these symptoms, you should be back to normal in a week or two! Your body just needs some time to adjust.