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Advice on Weaning Please.

Karen - posted on 11/27/2011 ( 7 moms have responded )

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My son is 6.5months old. He has been exclusively breastfed to this point (aside from a few solids of course). Unfortunately, now I have to wean him because I need to be on a medication that is Not recommended for nursing mothers. I'm not very happy about it, but I don't really have a choice. I can't very well take good care of my son if I allow my health to decline. The docs are giving me 2 weeks to wean him. Any advice on this? I know to pump less and to mix formula with the expressed milk so he can get used to it. But any advice for the pain of feeling full? How long will it take to stop lactating? How on Earth do you deal with it emotionally? I'm devastated that I can't nurse him anymore, I was hoping for at least a year. Any advice or words of encouragement are welcome.

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Celeste - posted on 11/28/2011

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Oh Karen!! That's GREAT news!!!!

Karen - posted on 11/28/2011

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Great News! I called the Infant Risk Hotline (Thank you Celeste) this morning and was informed that the "do not use while breast feeding" IS true for babies up to a certain weight with this drug. However, RJ is over that weight! They say Not to use it with babies that are under 10lbs because it makes them extra sleepy and not want to eat, but over that weight there seems to be no affect! RJ is over 17lbs! They told me to just keep an eye on him and watch for changes. I'm going to speak with his pediatrician, but it looks like I can keep breastfeeding. I am SOOOOOOOOOO happy! Thank you ladies for the advice and support. I will keep it all in mind when I do decide to wean down the road.

Maggie - posted on 11/27/2011

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:( like other mums said I would get a second option first I had docs tell me I should stop for no good reason at all. I weaned at 12 months by starting half breastmilk mixed with half cows or in your sons case formula, took a few weeks till we cut out the breast milk. Eventually it got harder to express ( like about 3 weeks) so I just let it dry up from there.

Oh as for pain, expressing until it is comfortable helps with discomfort as well as drying up

Even at 12 months I felt bad but I also knew my son was ready to move on. Just remember you have fed him for 6.5 months so you have given him the best start in life already :)

Ashley - posted on 11/27/2011

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Definitely Kellymom.com, Celeste gave you her link. Good luck with the weaning and take care b/c at the end of the day only a Mother who can focus on her child fully is what you want to be :)

Teresa - posted on 11/27/2011

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I just wanted to wish you luck w/ it all!!

Celeste - posted on 11/27/2011

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I'm so sorry!!

A couple of things:
-Have you called the Infantrisk hotline to make sure that you have to wean? Many times, doctors will tell a mom that a med isn't safe when it is.

-If it is indeed not safe, you can put cabbage leaves in your bra to help with the pain. You can also take Sudafed, which can help dry you up. Sage, Peppermint, Parsley, Jasmine, can also help dry you up..

Some info about these
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksuppl...

You have done awesome to nurse for 6 months!!

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