What should I expect from my body when I discontinue breastfeeding. I have been weaning my 10 month old very slowly- she seems to be doing well w/it. Today is the last time I will pump/nurse. What should I expect?
C.
You can expect that you may still need to pump one more time to relieve any congestion. Also, I found myself calling the LeLeche League (very helpful website as well) because I had migraines for almost 2 weeks. I had migraines early in my pregnancy also so expect hormonal changes which may be intense. Lastly, I did feel alittle bit of guilt but ultimately I am glad that I stopped (did so when my baby was 6 months and I worked full-time).
Hi C.- I weaned all 4 of my kids between 13 and 16 mo. I dropped a feeding every week or 2 weeks and had no issues in regards to engorgement or discomfort. All 4 of my kids also weaned very easily (they led the process). I have heard slow and steady wins the race
Good Luck
Beth
I weaned my son very slowly too...starting around 11mo. and finishing at 13mo. I didn't have any engorgement or leaking issues. I think if you do it slowly it'll be okay. I thought my son might put up a fuss about stopping, but he didn't. We stopped right around the time he started pulling on my shirt to nurse. I wasn't too emotional over it b/c I knew I wanted to go 1 yr. then stop. It was a little sad though. Congrats for going so long!
Get a shot from your dr. to "dry you up". You may need to be in a breast binder for while.
i had no issues/pain. though you are no longer burning extra calories and/or need to eat for them, so if you eat the same and burn less you will gain weight.
I just weaned my 10 month old last week! It was tougher with her than my 1st because she was using nursing to fall asleep, but after a few days I think we have turned the corner and it is good. As long as you go slow, pump/express when you need to, it will be fine. I cannot wait to go out and have her go to bed for someone else without all the drama! Good luck.
I am weaning right now. My son turne one this Wednesday. At 9 mo...I was nursing 4-5 times. 10mo I was nursing 3 times. 11 mo..2 times a day, and this past week cut it to once a day, and on Wednesday I will be done. Do not just stop all together...wean slowly and there will be no problems. I have experienced no pain or swelling. This is my 3rd child that I have nursed for a year....just be sure to gradually stop.
I think everyone's body must be different cause I was told that I'd LOSE 10 pounds but instead I GAINED 10 pounds! So don't be surprised... Also, I was slightly engorged but just expressed milk in the shower (the easiest way) and it subsided after a bit. Good luck! You'll love the freedom... : )
I started to pump less & less, & for a shorter period of time. I still had to wear very tight (sports bras) & had to self express in a hot shower when I felt really full to not get any clogged ducts. It took about a week to finally feel fine and wear a regular bra. It was uncomfortable but it didnt take long to do, but I didnt stop cold turkey, just weaned down & then stopped.
I am a mother who breastfed until my son was three and since he was older there wasn't much to it. I felt emotional and sad that we had ended something so personal. You will probably just feel sad and your baby (because he or she is still a baby) will probably be upset for a little while. I am not sure why you are weaning but your milk supply is not has much as when they are newborns so you shouldn't feel much physical change. I would recommend finding a book about weaning and your baby. Good luck!
P.S. Oh yeah, I always recommend Le Leche League. Women leading women.
As long as you are weaning slowly you shouldn't have too much pain. I weaned a little too quickly and was in quite a bit of pain for about 3 weeks. I stopped breastfeeding at about 7 and a half months and was actually quite happy to get my body back. I also lost some weight after I stopped. I just didn't feel as hungry after I stopped and I read somewhere that your body holds onto some of that weight while breastfeeding. Good luck!
I didn't really notice much of anything when I stopped nursing/pumping. Except, of course, FREEDOM! I don't really remember any specific physical issues. Good luck.
Hi C.,
If you have been weaning your baby very slowly, you should not experience any problems when she finally stops for good. Perhaps a bit of leaking occasionally, but certainly nothing more. Since I do not know how you define slowly, I can't be more specific. What you think is slow, may, in fact, be more rapid. In that case, I'd be on the lookout for engorgement and treat it immediately - before it becomes more serious - by applying warm compresses and expressing the milk.
M.
I would wait to wean her until 12 months. When I weaned my children I waited until I was doing only 1 feeding a day. I still had a lot of engorgement, blocked milk glands & pain. It lasted about 2 weeks. To help with the blocked glands I would take a really hot shower & work the lumps out by massaging it under the hot water. Also, once you wean expect to gain some weight unless you start exercising. You burn about 400-500 caleries from breat feeding a day.
Since you've been weaning slowly then you shouldn't feel any pain, engorgement issues or leaking. The one thing I wasn't prepared for was how emotional I became after she was weaned. I missed nursing alot more than I thought I would.
I didn't have any issues whatsoever. Like the previous poster, remember that you're burning fewer calories. Just pay attention to your appetite, and maybe step up the intensity of your exercise for a week or so to balance out your appetite and eating habits.
