Stopping Breasfeeding - Mom's Health

I concern about the lump. All that I know is that breastfeed is good for mom because prevented breast cancer, but if that happened to me I will go to see my doctor the sooner the better.

Hiya.

This information is from the Kellymom website (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning_mom.html). I hope it helps.

Comfort measures for mom during weaning
By Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC, Becky Flora, IBCLC and Paula Yount

Physical comfort during weaning

Do not bind your breasts to help your milk "dry up." This is an outdated practice that can cause plugged ducts, breast infection, or breast abscess.

If your breasts feel full and uncomfortable when you don't nurse at a specific time, then express just enough milk to relieve the fullness. You can do this by pumping for a couple of minutes or hand expressing. The less milk you remove, the quicker your body will realize it doesn't need to produce. Sometimes just taking a hot shower will do the job - anything that relieves the fullness is fine. If you are comfortable without expressing at all, that's okay too.

Do express or pump if you get uncomfortably full. It's not good for your body to not have any way of relieving the fullness. Pumping or hand expressing just enough milk to relieve discomfort will not prevent your milk supply from decreasing. What causes milk production to stay the same or increase is adequate milk removal. If only a small amount of milk is removed from the breast, then milk production will decrease. In addition, expressing a little milk will relieve your discomfort and make it less likely that you'll develop plugged ducts, a breast infection, or an abcess.

These things are commonly used to increase mom's comfort during the weaning process:

Ibuprofen or other pain relievers
Cabbage leaf compresses
These things are occasionally used to reduce milk supply during the weaning process:

Herbs and other natural treatments for reducing milk supply
Birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), a decongestant

Sadness/depression when weaning
It's not unusual to feel tearful, sad or mildly depressed after weaning; some moms also experience mood swings. These feelings are usually short-term and should go away in a few weeks. This is caused, in part, by hormonal changes. One of the changes that occurs with weaning is a drop in prolactin levels. Prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, also brings with it a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation. The faster the weaning process the more abrupt the shift in hormone levels, and the more likely that you will experience adverse effects. Moms who are forced to wean before they are ready (or for reasons beyond their control) and moms with a history of depression are also more likely to experience depression after weaning. These tips for mild postpartum depression can also be helpful after weaning.

Even for mothers who feel ready for weaning and wean gradually, there may still be some sense of loss and sadness. Weaning marks the end of a physical oneness with your child, the close of a very special period in your lives. Remember that your child's strong need for your presence continues, even if it is now expressed in other ways.

Page last modified: 10/18/2005
Written: 05/02/2001
Additional information
Cabbage for relieving engorgement @

Too much milk: Sage and other herbs for decreasing milk supply @

Weaning: The Physical Part for Mom by Becky Flora, IBCLC

Weaning as a Natural Process by Brylin Highton, from Leaven, Vol. 36 No. 6, December 2000-January 2001, p. 112-114.

Depression and Weaning from the Berkeley Parents Network

Hi H.,

Do you have to stop (like for going back to work or for medical reasons) or do you just think that it's "time"?

If it's the latter, I'd like to encourage you to continue nursing until your baby's nutrition has been firmly transitioned to solids -- around the middle to end of the second year of life. There, is, in fact, nothing wrong with going even longer than that, although most in this society think it odd. Remember -- we did not evolve drinking cow's milk or soy from a bottle. Infant physiology is geared to gaining the most benefit from human milk for at least the first two years. Studies show that there are tremendous benefit to toddlers who nurse beyond 1 year. Kellymom has summed up the research nicely -- see
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html#n...

Extended nursing is also a benefit to you. Women who nurse have a reduced incidence of breast cancer, and the risk continues reducing the longer you nurse. Extended nursing also reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine cancer, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

Personally, I wouldn't listen to much of the nutritional advice given by US educated pediatricians. Some of the information in the medical texts they're using on this subject haven't been updated in 30 years and are heavily influenced by past lobbying by infant formula makers. There's also been a marked history of paternalism in this country since doctors took over obstetrics and pediatrics from midwives around the turn of the 20th century. Don't get me wrong -- I'm a firmly entrenched member of the medical community, but in this particular case, I feel that western medicine has done a great disservice to the health and well being of infants, toddlers and women that is only now starting to be slowly realized and undone.

OK, I'm getting off my soapbox now!

Hi H.,

I had an issue with this and I talked with a nutrionist/dietician and they turned me on to PARSLEY TEA. I do not like tea, and you can pretty much only find it in a health food store. A few cups, spread out over a day or two, and you will be done with it. I know for me, the first cup relieved me and the second, 3rd, 4th cups finished me off. If I squeezed, some would come out but there was never an engorgement or discomfort or lumps etc.., again. It is about $8 a box - I just bought some for my sister-in-laws who are having babies now. It works and is all natural. God Bless!

Hi H.~

I recently weaned my daughter as well and it was very hard, very painful. I only pumped when I absolutley had to and then just a little bit. I just powered through it, honestly I think it takes about a week before all the lumps, bumps and discomfort are gone. I saw that binding your breasts isn't really reccommended anymore, but I was much more comfortable in a tight sports bra because it kept them from moving and jostling around.

Also, just to warn you, I don't know if this will happen to you, but when my milk had dried up and my breasts had finally stopped hurting they were also much smaller than what they were before. I lost a whole cup size if not more. I had heard that could happen, but never thought it would happen to me or affect me so much. It was really depressing and I'm still struggling with it a little bit. Just when I thought I was getting my body back to 'normal' one more part of my body went completely downhill (figurativly and literally). I know everything is worth it for my beautiful, perfect daughter who I wouldn't want to live without but the identity alteration is sometimes a struggle. Anyways, hopefully you won't even have to deal with this- sorry i didn't mean for this to turn into a venting session for myself:) Good luck with the weaning, remember 'this too shall pass'....

It may be a plugged duct. I didn't get them as I stopped breastfeeding (as I pretty much just ran out of milk), but I got them during the time that I did breastfeed.
If it's a plugged duct I would start with a warm compress (running a washcloth under hot water worked well for me) then massage the lump out, though you might want to pump as you do it or have towel handy to catch any leaks.

You need to stop slowly.. Pumping will only build up your supply, unless you only pump a little or better yet, hand express just a little bit. Both of mine nursed past 2 years old so my situation is a bit different, they slowed down on the feedings themselves and the amount, etc.. this way I didn't feel a thing. You probably need to massage that lump and maybe even pump? Just to work it through. You don't want to get an infection if you don't have one already. I'm sure you'll get a more helpful response here than mine but if you don't. Try www.kellymom.com I just went there and they do have some helpful information. Search "weaning".
Best wishes,
M.

You should still pump a little and use a warm compress to get the lump out. When you are not pumping bind yourself with an ACE bandage. I would also contact your Dr. just to make sure you don't have an infection.

Hi H.,
No need to be scared yet. Once you wean your baby off the breast it takes 1-2 weeks for you to feel normal. You'll feel uncomfortable and your breasts will at some point feel like boulders on your chest. This is normal since you are no longer pumping nor feeding your baby. If you continue to pump you won't "dry up", which is what you're trying to do. The big lump in your breast is probably from the drying up of your milk. It it lasts longer that 2 weeks, I'd recommend getting it checked out. Good luck!

Hi H. - Sorry you haven't found any help online. Here's how I dealt with weaning my first daughter. Once I stopped nursing her, I stopped pumping, too. Pumping causes your body to keep producing milk, and I wanted to stop production. But my body was still producing milk, and it had to get out. The build-up of milk in the breast causes lumps like the one you mentioned. If you don't get it out, it can cause inflammation and mastitis. I've had mastitis a couple of times and believe me, it's no fun - high fever, chills, painful inflamation. So I would get in a warm bathtub and squeeze the milk out. The warmth causes the breast to let down and pretty soon, the milk comes out. Look up "hand expression of breast milk" online or in a parenting book. Hand expression will not cause the body to produce more milk. Within about a week, my milk had dried up and I was done.

Hope this helps. Good luck! - P.

hi H..
Have you heard of La Leche League? It's an awsome international resource for pregnant and breastfeeding (or weaning) moms. I learned so much from them (I breastfed two boys). Be super careful that you are not getting Mastitis (sp?) It's a very serious infection that feels and is treated like the flu. ...It could just be a plugged up milk duct, but if the skin there is bright red and it hurts really bad you might have an infection... You might want to be seen by a doctor right away. Regardless, you'll have to do something to relieve the pressure. Try to be very systematic with your pumping. For example, pump a lesser amount each time you pump, or whatever works for you, just don't pump too much because your supply of milk will continue to produce to much. The key is to do it gradually !! Also hot showers, hot compress, and gently massaging the area can help you feel more comfortable. Hope this helps...and good luck...let us know how your doing

H. A,
I breastfed for 2 1/2 years and I do understand your concern. Don't be surprised if your breast swell because they will. I used the shower to express excess milk to get through the first couple of days. After a day or two the tightness and lumps go away. Another trick you can do for comfort is to bind your breast or wear a very tight fitting shirt like a spandex workout shirt anything to bind them a scarf, towel, Ace wrap are other ideas. Hope that helps.

AC

If you stop all together you will get ingorged a little your not pumping enough to be engorge a lot. This just means that your milk is still coming in and has no where to go. If you pump enough to realease the presure but not more then that they will dry up faster. Also hot baths or hot wash clothes will releave some of this discomfort. The lump will go down just give it a week or so. Good luck! J.

Stop pumping and your milk will dry up soon. THe lumps are milk ducts that aren't getting drained. If they hurt take motrin and put moist heat/washcloth on them. Why did you decide to stop nursing? hope the baby continues to do well.

I have a few suggestions...

First, probably don't quit cold-turkey...the lump you have is a clogged duct and if it stays, you could end up with an infection which makes you feel like you have the flu. You need to get that out and the only way is to have it nursed. When I weened my son, I cut out feedings, one a week until I was done.

Second, sports bras...wear a really tight sports bra and if you need them, use cold ice packs if your breast get sore. I lost twin girls last year in the middle of my pregnancy and when my milk came in, this was how I got it to go away...it was pretty much back to normal in a week.

Oh! And don't pump...anything you do to make your body think there's demand is not going to help you dry up...

Good luck!

-M

H., good for you for nursing as long as you can! When I quit nursing my son I had to do it cold turkey... my breasts felt like they would explode (of course they didn't, but it sure felt like it. My Doc told me not to touch them and leave them alone and the swelling and soreness stopped... The distracted thing is a phase and my 5 month old daughter is doing it as well, they grow out of it....just to many exciting things to look at :0) good luck

You need to see a doctor. If you have a lump in your breast, it could be milk backup. Breastfeeding needs to be weened slowly. Take one meal away at a time. The less you breastfeed, the less they will produce. Your child should e drinking at least once a day to stop buildup.

J.

Hi H., You are probably engorged and that is why you have the lump. When you nurse, your body automatically makes more milk, supply and demand. So, the last time you pumped your body was ready to make more and now it has more, but you are not pumping it, to make more. I commend you for pumping at work and keeping your supply up, that can be very hard to do. I would call your ob doc or general practioner and make sure the lump is just engorgement. Don't take hot showers because that will only increase your milk supply. You can also call the Le Leche League in your area and they can answer any qustions you have. Good luck!
M.

Look on la leche league information about weening. You want to slowing ween so you reduce the risk of breast infections. Keep breastfeeding or pumping on the breast with the lump eventhough it may hurt. If it's a clogged duct, hot shower and squeeze your nipple a little to see if you can unclog. Sounds grose, but can work. See your doctor if it doesn't unclog.

Hi H.,
I believe you need to stop one feeding at a time. If you're nursing 5 times a day then go to only 4 for one week and then 3, so on and so forth.
It sounds like you might have a breast infection. I had one and it was extremely painful. I would call your doctor right away. Good luck!

You will be fine. Try to use hot a compress on the lumps and "fluff the girls" each day. {Do some breast massage with an oil.} Your body will adjust to not using milk and will stop making it. Watch for leaks and be nice to your girls.

Hey Hilary,

Ok, first thing stop pumping, it's just going to keep your breast from producing more milk!! This part is not the best part, yes, your breast is going to get hard, hard to the point it hurts.....so what I use to do is stand in a really hot shower and let the water run over my breast or have a heating pad on it!! It's going to be like this for a few days or a week to get over the hardness and get back to normal!! One of the many things you will endure for your children!! Good Luck!! V. and let it just ying in

Sounds like you have a plugged duct. Apply moist heat to help. A lactation consultant helped me when I had the same problem, and she said to take a paper diaper, wet it, put it in the microwave -- not too long! can get too hot! -- and cup it around your breast. It felt wonderful.

(DH cut off all the non-absorbent paper from the diaper, though I don't know whether that's necessary.)

Be very careful, a plugged duct can turn to mastitis, which is no fun. Good luck hon.

Once you stop breastfeeding, it does take some time for your body to adjust, and the adjustment is more extreme if you stopped suddenly over a short period of time rather than eliminating one feeding at a time over a period of weeks. Your body is used to making milk and will continue to do so until it gets the message that the demand isn't there anymore. The lump you describe sounds like a plugged milk duct - can be very painful and if not treated can turn into mastitis (a breast infections which requires antibiotics to clear up). I've had plugged ducts before - no fun. Try putting warm/hot compresses on the area and massaging the area towards your nipple to get the duct to unplug. You might need to pump as well to try to get it to unplug. If all else fails, you probably need to call your doctor. Good luck!

Hi
You might want to try to wet a wash cloth with warm water and but it on your breast along with that you should massage them. I did not try the following myself but they say that there is a shot that will help you dry out. You might want to check with you Doctor. Hope it works out for you

H.,

The "lump" in your breast could be a simple blocked milk duct. Alll you need to do is put a warm-hot face towel on that area and it will go away. Blocked milk ducts happens all the time. If it causes a lot of pain, then I would go see your doctor and have it looked at.

I have 2 kids, breastfed them for a total of 4 years. Good luck.

L.

Somtimes when you stop "cold turkey" you can develop clogged ducts and a breat infection that feels like a lump. Keep pumping, less and less, and your body will produce less too. If it is a problem, call your doctor and you can get a shot that will cease the body's production.

Weaning the baby is the best way to prevent problems such as engorgement. Drop one feeding at a time and wait a few days then drop another one. It's important that you do not pump or stimulate your breasts for that feeding you're dropping, and wearing a sports bra can help. With my son my breasts did get full for that dropped feeding, but I used ice packs and that helped relieve some of the swelling. At that age, my daughter was distracted, too, but that's normal - so we'd just go to a quiet room to nurse, and she finally got used to the other noise and would continue to "take care of business". She's still going strong at 17 months! Also, warm/hot showers can stimulate milk production so wearing your sports bra ALL the time (even during shower)will help keep your breasts in control - I wouldn't do any wrapping, that's too uncomfortable and constricting and not recommended by LCs. Ice packs are great for swelling and will feel great - not more often than 10minutes every hour. Your breasts won't dry up over night, so be patient. Going slow and wearing a bra/sports bra 24 hrs really helps.
Best wishes!

Hi H.-

I just went through the exact same thing and couldn't find any information online. I did experience hard, lumpy breasts and could express a little milk for weeks that seemed to be syrupy in consistensy. I was also very tender and thought I might have mastitis or a plugged duct. My doctor said this is all normal and not to worry. It took about 2 weeks, but this all went away and my breasts became soft and back to normal (maybe a little saggier than they used to be..which is a bummer :) I think if you feel extra full, just pump a little to relieve the pressure. I also tried warm compresses which seemed to help a bit. Hopefully you will be feelig like your old self soon. Good luck!

With regard to the lump it could be mastitis. My friend went through 4 bouts of it and it was not fun. She said to get in the shower and run warm water on it and massage it out. If it gets red go to the doc, the infection can get bad. I don't want to scare you, but it can be bad if it gets out of hand. My friend went to the E.R with a 104 temperature the first time when she did not know what it was. Hope you feel better soon.

It was many years ago for me but I remember having to go to the doctor because it was very painful. I think I had to actually take some medicine to dry up the milk. But that was about 40 years ago so they might do it differently. My daughter breastfed both of her kids until they were weaned to the cup which was about 8 months I think and she didn't have any problem. So, I don't know if that helps or not. Enjoy that wonderful treasure you have!

You may be developing mastitis. Putting washcloths soaked in hot water on the lump will help, but if it gets worse, or doesn't go away, or if you develop a fever, you need to go see a doctor as you will need to take antibiotics for the infection. Your doctor may also want to put you on birth control pills as this will help to dry up your milk.

I used to use a warm compress and massage the area when I got lumps. It scared me at first,the warmth and massage worked. A long hot shower was helpful too.
As other people have mentioned, try not to express too much so that you don't encourage more production.
If the lump gets worse, increasingly painful, or red, then I'd check with a doctor to make sure you're not getting an infection. For now, massage and warmth should do the trick.
It sounds like you're right on track and having a much easier time of this than I did! Weaning was very emotional for both me and my son.

Hi there!
It is perfectly normal to have lumpy hard breasts when you stop breastfeeding. It goes away after a few days, a week tops. It is your body's way of sending the signal that it is no longer breastfeeding and stops producing milk. If it is painful for you, you can pump a little tiny bit off just to relieve the pressure, but make sure you don't trick your body into thinking it is still feeding. Or try ice packs. I remember when I stopped nursing, I suddenly had enormous round hard bosoms, but it wasn't very uncomfortable. Though I had to buy a big sturdy support bra. I threw a cocktail party to celebrate (after about 18 months of no alcohol!) and insisted all my friends touch my incredible temporary boobs. It was fun. So don't worry, and show off your cleavage!
S.

The lump is probably a clogged duct due to not being emptied. It is normal to get these in the first 2-3 weeks after stopping breastfeeding. They will resolve over a 3-7 days. If you get a fever or your breast turns red and hot then see your doctor, it could be an infected milk duct (mastitis). Otherwise, you'll experience some hormonal readjustment after weaning (and all the fun that goes with that- periods, hair loss, mood swings). It's a normal part of life and health.

It looks like you've got lots of feedback on this. I just wanted to add, that when I stopped breast feeding my breasts felt kind of funny. Nothing distinct or painful, but oddly firm, without even feeling engorged. It took about ten days, maybe even longer (after the last time I breast fed) for them to feel back to normal (though I am sad to say they feel kind of saggy now). Anyhow, unless your in pain, it's probably just a normal adjustment period. Have a beer and enjoy the fact that you don't have to worry about when she'll want to nurse next.

Dear H.,
When I was 22, I had a similar problem. It turned out to be
a lump that was not good. The Doctor gave me a shot of "Progestren" (not sure of the spelling), and it cleared up!!
Hope this information will help!
Whatever happens, GO TO THE DOCTOR!!
Best of luck---to YOUR health!!
C. S.

Dear H., When I was breastfeeding I had a lump and it turned out to be a plugged milk duct but obviously with any lump you should go to a doctor and have it checked out. A.

Hi,
You might becoming engorged, your milk is building up. Try a warm compress and hot showers. It should go away. I went through the same thing with the lumps. Sometimes your milk glands get clogged,lol. And maybe pumping a little to releave the pressure. But it should all go away pretty quick. You should be just fine. Your body will adjust.

I am concerned about the lump. Is your breast red or painful? You may have a plugged duct. Try to pump and see if it goes away. Also, try cold compresses. This will also help with the decrease of milk supply, if that is what you want. Slowly, the less you breastfeed, the less milk you will produce. Only pump when you are full (but not engorged) and you will decrease your milk supply and not need to pump anymore. You may continue to have a little milk production but if you don't pump, then it will just get absorbed by the body and you will stop producing all together. Just keep in mind, one breast may dry up faster than the other and one breast may look fuller for a while, but within a couple of weeks or so, you will be back to normal. Or if you are like me who breastfed for 8 months, "less than normall breast size :( The sacrifices of breastfeeding and wanting the best for baby!!!!! Just keep an eye on that lump. If it did not go away after a few feedings then you may want to see your OB?GYN.

Hi H.,

I was in almost the same spot as you. I'm 34 and just stopped pumping about two weeks ago (I was exclusively pumping). I was pumping 6-8 times a day and tried to quit cold turkey (big mistake, very painful). So, I cut out or two of the daily pumpings, each week. For example, pump 5 times a day for one week. Then, 4 times a day for one week. Eventually, I got down to only pumping once a day and then I would stretch that out for as long as I could and eventually, I didn't have to pump anymore. And, there was no discomfort. During the process, I did tend to get clogged milk ducts (probably the lump you are feeling). Just pump it out and do some massage in the shower and it should go away. I'm so relieved not to be pumping anymore. I did it for almost 6 months, but It was a real challenge. My baby is doing fine on formula now.

Good luck,

J.

When I stopped breastfeeding I had to massage my breast while taking a hot shower. That will express the milk. Your body will adjust fine on its own. You shouldn't have to pump. The lump may be a blocked duct, but I would always ask your OBGYN if you are concerned.

Ok...hopefully the lump won't turn into mastitis (infection in the breast). You didn't mention if you were in pain, so just to let you know -- mastitis hurts!
Don't pump anymore. If you're fully engorged, then go ahead and pump to get it all out, but once that's done, bind/wrap yourself up. If you continue to express the milk, your body will continue to produce it. I nursed for 18 mos and I had to bind myself for two weeks before all returned to normal. Take Motrin and use ice packs. Good luck, Mom!

A good lactation consultant (at your pediatrician's office or at the hospital where you gave birth) should be able to answer any questions or concerns that you have. They are a good resource if you can't find what you are looking for. I had similar problems with stopping breast-feeding after my first child. The lump isn't a problem, it could be some milk that is trapped due to a blockage and just needs to be massaged out. Look for the blockage (a spot on your nipple that is holding milk and blocking milk from coming out), then make sure to try to clear that blockage by applying a hot pad and working to release plugged milk. For pain in the breasts due to fullness, use a hot pad. Alternate with a cold pack to relieve swelling. Stop using the breast pump unless you want to continue giving breastmilk as a pump is designed to fool your body into believing that the baby is still demanding milk so your body will continue to make milk to fit those needs. If you want to stop making new milk, you will have to squeeze (I did this with my hands because it was easier, but it may not be easier if you have smaller breasts) out the excess milk, don't massage the nipples unless relieving soreness as that encourages milk supply. You'll want some nursing pads as they will stop the excess milk from dripping on your clothes. There will be some minor pain associated with stopping, as your body will have to adjust to the decreased demand and your breasts will be full (with no release of baby's feeding) for several days. It should be over soon though. If that doesn't answer your questions, or if you need more help, find that lactation consultant. They are an invaluable source of information.
P.S. I noticed that you said that your daughter is distracted when breastfeeding and doesn't seem interested. All children go through this and it isn't a big deal. When breastfeeding you just have to make some rules (like any time) about what is acceptable. If she turns her head several times and then wants to latch on again, only to turn her head moments later, just stop feeding her until she is hungry enough to pay attention. She'll come back and pay attention when she is hungry enough, don't worry, she won't starve. ;)

Hi H.-
Good for you for breastfeeding for as long as you did!
It was a good idea to slow down your supply through pumping, which decreases your production. You probably just have a plugged duct. I would apply warm compresses and massage it in the shower. If you get engorged, pump just enough to relieve the pressure. You have to be careful of mastitis (sp?) if the plugged duct gets infected- flu like symptoms, heat in the area and fever.

Hi H.,

I was told by my DR. when I quit breast feeding to gently massage and express the milk during a warm shower. The reason was so I wouldn't get an infection or built up breast milk. You may want to try this! I hope it helps! Take Care!
~J.

That lump can just be milk. It can get sore and really ache if you dont do something about it. Take a warm bath and while you are doing that massage your breast and try push it out. You will keep on producing milk for a few more day and eventually will dry out. I will not advice to keep on pumping if you are really sure you want to stop breastfeeding. Pumping will only stimulate milk production and you will keep on getting this lumps. Also if the you don't see it going away by massaging it and actually see some milk comming out you should go and see a doctor.

Hi H.,

I went through this 3 times. What worked best for me was to stop pumping and just express your milk yourself. I found doing it in the shower under warm running water was really helpful and soothing as well. Massage lightly from the top and work your way down. Although you should always see your doctor if you have breast lumps, I had them off and on while I was breastfeeding and they were just blocked ducts. They were painful, but after massaging gently while expressing milk they cleared.

What I was told and did successfully when I stopped nursing, was to do it over a period of time. I first stopped the nursing/pumping at the time that I wanted to get rid of first, which for me was the 1pm time. I then waited a week and took out the next time I wanted to stop, with my daughter taking a bottle at these times, and so on. That way, your body adjusts to not producing milk at that time and it won't be too painful as if you just stopped. Hope that helps, that advice sure helped me.

H.,

Most of the time weaning means a tapering off of breastfeeding. If you just quit one day, you risk mastitis (breast infection) and plugged ducts (sounds like you've got one). Pluged ducts can turn into mastitis so if you get feverish, go to your doctor or the ER right away. Mastitis can get really ugly really fast. Basically most women who wean drop one pump session or one feeding at a time and continue to do that over several weeks. Since you stopped quicker than that, I'd recommend that you continue pumping any time you get engorged and just pump until you are comfortable and then stop. Do not try to empty your breasts or stimulate production, just pump until you are okay. Do that as often as you need to do and your supply will steadily drop. It shouldn't take very long. Depending on your milk supply, it could take anywhere from a few days to a week or so.

All babies become more aware and distractable around the time they are 5 months old. It isn't a reason to quit breastfeeding unless you want to. Pumping is kind of a pain in the butt but if you have a hands free way to pump, it is much better.

As for that lump, I'd stand underneath a hot shower and pump on that side and do that a few times a day (or you can use a heat pad if you get tired of standing in the shower) until the lump goes away. If your daughter will still nurse at all, have her nurse and point either her chin or her nose toward the lump. Do that as often as you can manage until the lump goes away.

:-)T.

5-6 months is a typical time when babies get distracted from breastfeeding. their world is opening up and there is so much to see and do around them that it is hard to concentrate on eating! When my babies did this, I would sit with them in a quiet, dark area to minimize distraction. They got used to it and focused on breastfeeding instead. As far as the lump, its sounds like you may have stopped breastfeeding too suddenly. At about 5 months is when the babies have ramped up their appetites, so your body produces much more milk. To stop without gradual weening means that your body is still producing a ton of milk, yet can't get rid of it (even pumping is not as good at emptying your breasts as a little mouth). It sounds like you have a blocked duct. You need to take hot showers, massage the lump toward the nipple and try to pump it out to dislodge the blocked duct. In my experience, nursing is more effective at dislodging the block than pumping. Once you dislodge the block, make sure you VERY gradually cut down feeding/pumping sessions by only 1 per week (or 4-7 days), until you are only doing it once a day. Then you can go to every other day, etc. Stopping cold turkey or cutting it down too soon will cause blocked ducts and worse, mastitis. Good luck to you from Mother-of-Three

I just went through this. What I did, because I was at high risk for Mastitis, was pumped until the hard spot was soft (after massaging it and heating a little with a hot pack). I just made sure to stop as soon as the spot was gone- sometimes it would just take a minute or two. Even if I did this twice a day. Then icepack on the same spot. I too had a hard time finding information about me and weaning and still have some questions about like when will I get my period and what will my breasts will do next (they are dry but a bit deflated-not horribly so). The lumps are definitely normal- I spoke with lactation specialists at the pump station several times while I was weaning because I was worried about getting mastitis ( I had it 3 times when I started breastfeeding) Good Luck.