Pain After Stopping Breastfeeding

Question

I have recently stopped breastfeeding and my breasts are very sore. 

My daughter is now seven months and was breast fed exclusively until I introduced her to solids at four months. 

It is only in the last three or four weeks that she has accepted any formula milk.

For the last week before I stopped feeding she was mainly taking one or sometimes two feeds from me a day. 

My breasts feel full but I am concerned that if I try to express milk I will just continue to produce more milk. 

There seems to be plenty of advice for women starting breastfeeding but nothing for stopping.

Please can you help?

Still Leaking?

Weaning your child, whether your idea or his, is one thing. Stopping lactation may be another. Downsize the milk factory slowly to prevent engorgement. If milk is still plentiful, wear a snug bra and avoid stimulating the breast. However diligent you are, your baby's cry can send you streaming. Try letting milk out a little at a time to relieve the pressure. Or get into a warm shower and let nature take over. If it still hurts, apply cold packs and take some ibuprofen. Stay away from drugs that dry up the supply unless you absolutely must take them. Pretty soon your breasts will get the message that their productive days are over - at least for now. 

Get This Kid Off Me!

A gradual decrease in time at the breast is best. Once you begin to supplement with a bottle, you'll be surprised how quickly the little traitor switches loyalty. Your baby loved breast milk, but the easier flow of a bottle is just as nice. If she rejects the bottle at first, try different nipples. You also may want to express some breast milk and mix it with formula, gradually changing the ratio until she gets used to the new taste.

When Should I Stop?

There are only two people who can tell you it's time to stop - your baby and you. If it's your baby's idea to wean, he'll let you know. He may be restless at the breast, sucking for a while then turning away. He might play with the breast without latching on. If he shows interest in others while they are eating or drinking from a cup, he may be ready.

Even if your baby is still perfectly happy at the breast, you've may have had enough and that's okay. Breastfeeding gets old. Working moms suffer through pumps and uncooperative childcare providers. Moms at home may have other children to care for. Sometimes you just get tired, milk production drops, and baby needs a supplement. The best reason I know to stop? Nipple as teething ring.

How to Stop Breastfeeding

So you want to stop breastfeeding. Or maybe your baby is turning away, but you wonder if it's the right time? Could be that you're already convinced and just need to learn how to do it? Weaning a child is an intimate decision between you and your baby. Trust your instincts and don't let anyone make it for you.

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