Where do the last drops of milk go?

[dickiedoodah]

It's time for me to stop bf my 15 month old DD. We are down to one feed before bed. I don't think she's going to be that bothered about loosing it since she really enjoys cows milk before bed and she's usually so tired she hardly feeds. I've been dropping the feeds very gradually but I'm daunted by the last one as there's no where for the milk to go!

I'm interested to know how uncomfortable it might be, if it's best to pump the remaining milk to relieve the discomfort from full breast or if the milk dries up quicker if I just wait it out. Any help gratefully received!

The remai

Oops, sorry.

The remaining milk is absorbed back in to your body. You don't need to remove it, and in fact removing it will just stimulate your body to make more milk!

If you've gradually cut down to one feed per day, it should be fine to just stop. Your boobs may tingle a bit for a while, and may get so they feel full, but equally you may not notice anything. If you get uncomfortably full, then I would recommend hand expressing a small amount, but only to relieve the uncomfortable feeling. Don't express the whole boobs worth, as you'll just keep making more milk :)

It might take a while for all traces of your milk to disappear. It isn't uncommon for mothers to be able to hand express a few drops months after stopping feeding, but you shouldn't be sore or uncomfortable. I would describe it as occasional tingly reminders that your boobs were recently very active rather than uncomfortable.

If you become sore, or if occasional hand expressing of small amounts doesn't relieve discomfort (and taper off within a few days/weeks) then see your GP.

Well done for Breastfeeding your baby, and I hope weaning from the breast goes smoothly for both of you :)

Thank you Happyas, I will hand express if I can't put up with the full feeling.