Stopping breastfeeding

[AmIThough]

Hi all

My LG is now 6 months old so we've started weaning and we're getting into a really good routine with food/naps etc.

I've decided to stop breastfeeding to help with the routine (she's always had the occasional bottle of formula so will obviously continue with that).
I know you're supposed to reduce the feeds gradually to allow your body to adjust and LO has basically led this herself anyway, but my boobs are getting ridiculously engorged at night.

Basically I can go the whole day without BFing but then I get to 4am and I'm in so much pain.

I've been hand expressing just to get comfortable but does anyone have any advice on stopping milk production completely?

I've always been lucky in that I've produced more than enough milk (in the very early days when it was too painful to feed LO on the boob MW was amazed by how much I could express) but obviously now it's becoming an issue.

Thanks

[AllyVee]

Keep expressing and fade it down gradually, otherwise you might get ill... I recommend the Phillips hand pump.

Best
A

[Lcron10]

Hi,
I’ve had a lot of issues with my newborn. She developed jaundice on day 3 and was in special care getting phototherapy. They introduced formula and my bf took a massive hit. She was getting 90mls every 3 hours and when she was discharged home I had to give topups for a week until her jaundice levels dropped enough. I’ve found it hard to meet her demands since.
I’ve decided with a heavy heart to switch to total formula feeding, however my question is how do I wean her off the breast? I’ve no idea what to do,

Thanks
X

[AllyVee]

You say 'with a heavy heart' - so I don't think you should give up entirely, especially if your baby is still very small. :)

For one thing, their digestive system is still developing and it is hard to tell at that point how much formula milk they are able to digest easily. Every baby is different. So it is good to still have some milk in your breasts in case you later need to switch back to more breastfeeding again.

I'm speaking from experience. My daughter (now 2) had a bit of jaundice too - and she was a hungry baby so I remember panicking in the evenings thinking I didn't have 'enough' milk and topping up with formula.

I also remember the feeding felt very 'angry' on her side in the late evenings and used to make me tearful, (with her flailing at my breast for more) because she also struggled with stomach aches and these stomach aches only stopped when I cut formula completely and switched to entirely breastfeeding, maybe three or four months into motherhood.

In terms of getting the flow going - the struggle is real! And a large part of it is being able to get enough rest, which is so hard in the early weeks. There are dietary things that can help with milk flow. For me lemongrass tea helped enormously, it is a galactagogue and helps you to produce more milk. Oat-based foods are also good for producing milk.

Get somebody else to help you at that crucial stage when your baby is the most hard work, if possible, so that you can get a little bit of sleep or take a warm bath -- being able to nap, can also help with breastmilk production. And drinking pints and pints of water. It's not easy, at all, but I was very glad I continued and was able to increase breastfeeding later. Formula wasn't easy on my baby's tummy, for whatever reason.

Also there is some initial very real pain when the milk comes in and the baby is learning to latch properly. That can make it very stressful - but this too passes with time and faster than I thought. Breastfeeding is not painful long-term. If you can do it even a bit - it is so much better for their immune system than none at all. They get your antibodies through the milk, so it helps them fight off whatever colds are going around.

Babies on formula of course do fine too!! Babies are super resilient and the digestive system adjusts. But in those very early weeks it is still developing very fast, so it is best to keep some breastmilk in the mix at this stage if at all possible, to reduce gassiness and so-on.

The KellyMom website is great for advice on breastfeeding.

[Lcron10]

Hi,
I appreciate all the useful information you’ve given, however my decision is to stop breastfeeding. My question is what is the best way to wean when it’s only after such a short period of time breastfeeding. Any information I can find is focused on older kids.
Thanks
X

[Loulou85x]

Maybe try the Minbie bottle which is supposed to mimic the breast?? It didn't work for us but it did for a few people I know. It's your decision whatever you chose l.

[Loulou85x]

Sorry I pressed send before I meant too. I'm at 12 months and just deciding to stop, but when you know you want to stop you just know! Good luck and well done for even doing it as far as you did, some struggle to do it at all! It's so hard. X

[Cmagic7]

In my experience it was quite surprising how quickly the engorged breasts went away. I'd pump just a little to reduce the discomfort when needed and within a week, my milk supply had reduced considerably. It was a bit sad if i'm honest! Good luck.

[Loulou85x]

@Cmagic7 how long did it take until your milk completely dried up? Is it about a week?! X

[Cmagic7]

I remember feeding him irregularly at intervals of a few weeks, maybe if he needed the comfort for some reason and there was always a little bit of milk there, but not enough to feel it it my boobs.