Weaning to Stop Breastfeeding

M.,
This was about the same time that I weaned my son. I used green cabbage leaves to help with the swelling and soreness of the engorgement (which happens no matter what); but the cold cabbage leaves act as a cold compact. I used a whole head of cabbage. After my last feeding, I took one leaf per side, rolled it out with a rolling pin to release the essence of the cabbage and place them inside the cups a snug-fitting bra. When they were no longer cool, I replaced with a fresh leaf.

Another key is to not remove your bra except for showers until you are no longer producing milk. For me, it was about a week as I stopped cold-turkey from exclusive breastfeeding. I also took ibuprophen in the recommended dosage on the bottle as well to help with any excessive pain.

It may be hard, and you will be tempted to let her feed to relieve the pressure; but you will have to use will-power to get through this quickly. Let your husband know what you are doing so that he does not accidentally bump you as well! ;)

there is great advice on www.mothering.com
go to the "discuss" tab and then find the breastfeeding forums. there is a forum for younger breastfeeding babies like yours and for mamas who are having problems.
button-style link

Go to Baby Mother & More and get a tube of the Cabbo Creme. It's a bit pricy but worth every penny. Chuck, the owner can also give you other herbs (Sage oil) that can help dry up your milk. He is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about nursing and there is also a lactation consultant on site that you can schedule a session with which I would probably recommend since you're having such issues with mastitis. The session is around $30. Her name is Mary and she's great too.

http://www.milksmile.com/product_info.php/cPath/29/produc...

Hang in there with the mastitis. I've been there and done that twice so I feel your pain!

Hey M.,

I totally understand the mastitis thing. I had mastitis with both of my kids. My daughter 3 times, and my son 2 times. It stinks! However, I would suggest to you that you get in touch with a lactation consultant, pronto. They have the magic! You don't say if you are pumping or not, but if you aren't, you should be. Mastitis, by the way, is also a physical response to stress, and I'm sure you have no end of that, given your life situation right now. Even if things are great, supportive husband, angel children, you have a lot on your plate, and that's when mastitis strikes. So, if you truly want to stop breastfeeding, I'd pump a little bit to relieve the pressure. If, in your heart of hearts you really want to continue breastfeeding, but frustration's got you down, I'd call that lactation consultant right after you read this post. Don't think about it, just do it. You can call the hospital nearest you to get a referral, or you can call your local La Leche League chapter. They are life savers. I'd also try to find a little time to sit quietly-hahahahaha(hysterical laughter). Yes, I know, it's so much easier said than done, but your body obviously needs it. Girl, when I had my first child I went to visit my in-laws and I was so stressed out about clogged milk ducts that I had my boobs in my mother-in-law's face the entire time. I think I even gave her some tweasers to dig out the offending dried milk. Too ridiculous! I had already had mastitis by that time, and I was terrified I'd get it again, so my mother-in-law and I bonded much faster than we might have due to my panic. I just want you to know that I get you! Make the calls, take a bath when your husband gets home, and pump or put that baby back on the boob when you feel so full you can't stand it. Weaning is a process, and you sure don't want to get mastitis because you're weaning too quickly because you want to avoid getting mastitis. That would be too ironic.....

Take Care,

Al

I have read that sage tea and antihistamines decrease milk production. I am in the exact same situation as you. I eliminated one additional pumping every week. I just stopped completely 8 days ago and am so bound/knotted up, I can't even tell you.

I also love Mary at Baby, Mother, and More - both her and Chuck are GREAT!!!! Chuck said that you should not have to endure severe pain while you are weaning. I believe he said that you should pump one side at a time just enough to relieve the pressure and it will help your body adjust. Also, Mary will talk to you for free over the phone. I initially had some concerns and called her at home and she explained everything.
I nursed for 12 months and luckily never had mastits, but as for weaning, I just finished that. I reduced one feeding per week and did have some pain/engorgement for the first 2-3 days. After dropping the last one, it took about two - three weeks for the pressure to go away. My doctor said that it can take two months for your breasts to fully stop producing milk. I'm supposed to have a mammogram and they said to wait two months before having it.
Any questions....just ask.

I would just pump in the morning and evening...at first I would also pump in the middle of the day, slowly and less painfully my milk went away in about a month or so...after a few weeks I didn't need to pump at all.

M., So sorry to hear of your recurrent mastitis. I just had mastitis in June and a huge painful lump that lasted nearly a month and 2 round of antibiotics. So I do understand. First, you need a good lactation consultant ASAP. Mary at Baby Mother and More is fine or for a cheaper alternative, call your Labor/Delivery unit at the hospital where you delivered and ask them for the name of a lactation consultant. In the mean time, do not reduce the number of feedings per day. Engorgement of the breast only complicates mastitis. You must completely clear this infection up before you proceed with weaning. We want to avoid abcess of the breast so you must allow time for it to heal. When you do wean, you have to do it super slow since you are prone to plugged ducts. I'm keeping it brief since my 3 month old is trying to "help" me write this. Best wishes! R., SAHM of 2 and certified nurse midwife since 1999.