stopping BF 14mo

[saltasaltasanta]

Hello wise women:

I have just stopped (72 hours ago) BF DD (14 months)

About three weeks ago she was feeding 2-3 times overnight.

We then went on a long haul flight, and she got 16 hours of non-stop BF the lucky lady.

Since then we have been slowly cutting down, a couple of nights with just one feed, then no feed at all. She settles well by falling asleep in our bed and sucking her thumb.

But now 72 hours on my boobs hurt and feel really quite full.

I am happy to express a bit and see if it settles or just to leave it, it's not too bad.

But if I just do nothing will my boobs deflate by themselves over time?

Personally, I'd call one of the helplines. They should be able to give you the information and support you need to stop without giving yourself mastitis.

They will deflate naturally, if you pump it will last longer. Your body will still think milk is needed. That's if you're not in to much discomfort. I think mine took 8/9 days under similar circumstances.

ah thank you. Helpful to know other experiences. Aargh. Yes, I hadn't thought about mastitis - thanks for the warning. When I stopped BF DS I was already pregnant with DD. My supply had gone down I think as this didn't happen at all.

Also, while I am asking for advice (thank you!) I have been pregnant or beastfeeding or both since December 2007. Is stopping breastfeeding likely to turn me into an emotional hormonal wreck - or will it be unreasonable to use this as an excuse for demanding chocolate?

Also... what am I going to do on the flight back home on Saturday ... aaargh ... but this isn't a breast feeding question at all !!

You probably won't collapse into an emotional wreck but there is nothing stopping you demanding chocolate anyway