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Tips/Advice for mom weaning??

Nikki - posted on 05/30/2010 ( 1 mom has responded )

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Ok, so I'm finding lots of info online about weaning your baby. That's not the issue. My little man, who is 7months, has been wonderful going from breast to bottle and back the whole time. And sadly he's doing pretty well with 50/50 breast/formula to 100% formula. He's such a good baby, thank God!!! Anyway, I'm looking for advice for ME as far as how to stop milk production. I mean, is it better to just stop cold turkey, or should I do it gradually and pump less often and less amounts? I've just started with the gradual right now, and let me tell you, my boobs hurt and are soooo flippin big right now! I've been very fortunate to produce a lot of milk for my son for home and daycare. But I'm ready to stop now. How long does it take for your milk to dry up? How long will I be hurting for like this? Any advice or tips would be appreciated.

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Kathy - posted on 06/02/2010

2,423

33

No! No! No! Never go cold turkey -that would lead to engorgement and possibly mastitis - youch!



Do it very gradually, remember, weaning is a process, not a single event. Your milk won't dry up till your baby stops breastfeeding or you stop pumping.



So you're sore and engorged right now, which suggests perhaps you could have been a little more gradual. Refrigerated cabbage leaves placed in your bra for a couple of hours will help with the pain, and you can express a bit, just enough to relieve the pressure. This won't be enough to stimulate milk production.

So you just very gradually breastfeed and pump less and less until your breasts get the idea that they don't need to produce breast milk any more.

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