extended b/f and weaning help

[sfxmum]

hello

have bf dd for 2yrs, over the last 8m she only bf at night but over the last few weeks she is clearly not interested she asks but just latches briefly then asks for water and carries on with bedtime routine
i go on the principle of don't offer don't refuse

anyway over the last few days the breasts feel uncomfortable

• will it feel worst before it gets better?
• how bad?
• anything i can do to ease discomfort

many thanks

Any chance you may be pregnant, sfxmum?

Have you taken any ibuprofen/paracetamol?

Binding the breasts is supposed to help, but might not be a good idea unless you want to wean completely

not pregnant just feels kinda full and a bit sore nothing bad bad but def. uncomfortable

according to kellymom binding is a bad idea because it can lead to blocked ducts

it is odd, i thought since weaning has been so gradual that i would barely feel it

btw thanks for replies

I found that weaning gradually as you have been meant I didn't get to feel full (have also had an experience of weaning more abruptly and that was very uncomfortable, etc.)

Could it be that the bras you are wearing are restricting you a bit now that you have stopped feeding? Or have you been exercising and that bit of extra fullness has made you ache? Premenstrual symptoms, maybe? Perhaps you are ovulating again now and there is a hormonal effect?

Breast tenderness was the first symptom of my second pregnancy when ds1 was weaning as you describe. They kind of tingled as well.

i have been having regular periods since dd was 6m and am ovulating atm (been tracking that as planning pregnancy) so i guess that is a factor, had not thought of that thanks

maybe that is all there is and will soon fizzle out bit sad too
it is clearly the right time but

Perhaps get measured properly for a new bra - the support of having one that fits as it ought to may make a difference? I was looking at figleaves site this am and they give lots of brilliant advice with pictures and descriptions of how bras should fit. Quite an eyeopener and sounded very sensible advice. I would prefer to be fitted at a shop by someone who knows what they are doing and nips off to get more styles for you to try on, sort of thing It is definitely on my to-do-soon list!

And the mixed feelings about weaning - ah, yes, remember that too, sfxmum. End of an era, isn't it?

an excuse to shop think might go to Bravissimo there is one a short bus ride away
also been jogging and really need a new sports bra
and yes end of an era to think it was so hard at first then so much part of our lives for so long oh well she is clearly a healthy girl
'no boobie milk, other milk' as she puts it

Ahha!! JOGGING!! 'Need new sports bra'...... Maybe that was it!

Off you go to Bravissimo, then, Sfxmum - happy shopping - and treat yourself to something in a style you haven't been able to consider in the past couple of years, too, okay

(I'm sure your dh won't complain about the cost, LOL)

totally understandable to be sad about dd self weaning. such a time of transition. how wonderful to have 2 years though.
maybe a good time for a nice new bra, ah shopping therapy

i BF my twins, til age approx 2. by the end it was just night feeds. they self weaned within a couple of weeks of one another. Im happy that they got the best til they were ready to stop. very soon you will find that there is so much else going on, you will look back with pride and look forward to the good times to come

twins! very impressed much respect

many thanks for all the replies

as it happens she decided to feed during the night, last night, which is rare as these days she mostly sleeps through

i must say it is an amazing thing being able to nourish your child. esp. in those first 6months