Weaning the older baby

Weaning

How long is long enough to breastfeed?
The choice is entirely the moms to make. Authorities agree that all babies should be breastfed for as long as possible in infancy. There is never a time when breastfeeding no longer provides benefits for baby and the mother. It is best to give any mother who asks this question general recommendations and let her decide when to discontinue breastfeeding. Major health agencies recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first four to six months and continue following the introduction of solids. The Surgeon General's office and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding through the first year. The World Health Organization recommends two years.

How is weaning usually done?
Weaning begins when the baby starts taking solids at four-six months or is given formula feedings to replace breastfeedings. The mother can begin by eliminating the least stressful feeding of the day and substituting solid food or formula. Gradually, reduce the number of breastfeedings per day over a period of weeks. The last two feedings to be eliminated are the ones first thing in the morning and at bedtime. The mother will need to decide which feeding is the most important for the baby and eliminate that one last.

What if my baby won't wean?
Then the baby is not ready to wean. An older child may sense what the mother is doing and resist all efforts by wanting to nurse more. Tell the mother to try distraction. Don't mention nursing. La Leche League International suggests "Don't offer. Don't refuse." When the child asks to nurse the mother should use a "not now, but later" routine and be sure that when later arrives, she does nurse him as promised. This will help restore his trust that mother isn't abandoning him.

Should I wean my baby from my breast to a cup or a bottle?
Depending on the age of the baby, a cup may be the better choice. After four to six months a baby can handle liquids from a training cup well. If the mother weans to a bottle, remind her that she will later have to wean the baby from the bottle.

Should I use cabbage compresses?

Cabbage compresses do not dry up breastmilk. Cabbage is used to relieve the tissue swelling that occurs with engorgement.

Drying up milk

Mom may be able to express drops of milk from her breasts for several months after weaning her baby.

Can't I just take a pill?
Actually, once a milk supply is estabished the old pills and shots didn't work anyway.

The shots and pills once used to prevent milk in the non nursing mother are no longer used because they had serious side effects including strokes and cancer. When medical providers stopped using drugs for drying up milk, lactation consultants went back into old medical texts to learn what was used before medication became available. Below are some tips to help you stop milk production safely and comfortably.

What about binding my breasts down?

Do NOT bind your breasts. Breast binding can cause breast damage, interferes with your ability to breathe and is very painful.

Bras Are For Support
If you are more comfortable, wear a good fitting, supportive bra. It should be tight enough to provide support but not so tight that it leaves marks or dents in breast tissue. A lacy sleep bra or a snug T-shirt can provide just the right amount of support.

General Comfort:
Avoid breast stimulation. When you shower, turn your back to the spray.
Apply ice packs for 10-20 minutes several times per day.
Take a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as directed for the discomfort.
If the milk leaks, try bending forward with your bra off and let the milk leak out on its own. This may help relieve some of the pressure.
Call your medical provider if your temperature goes above 100.4 º F

My breasts are huge, hard and painful. What do I do now?

Cabbage Compresses only if you are engorged
Published studies and anecdotal reports recommend using the leaves from the common cabbage, as a compress to reduce swelling. References to cabbage for drying milk date back to the late 1800ís. The natural ingredients in cabbage decrease tissue congestion by improving the blood flow in the area. Herbalists believe that cabbage has both antibiotic and anti irritant properties. However, cabbage compresses do not stop milk production

Instructions for use: Cabbage Cure

Sage
The common kitchen herb, Sage, when used as a tea, is a powerful agent for drying milk.
Instructions for use:
You can purchase sage tea at a health food store or make your own from powdered sage purchased at any grocery store: Use 1/8 or1/2 teaspoon of powdered Sage in 1 cup of hot water.
Sage has a very strong flavor. You may want to sweeten the tea to hide the taste (or add something like Tang flavored drink mix).

Drink one of these teas every 4 or 6 hours. Usually 3 or 4 cups is enough to dry milk completely.

Don't use this method if you are allergic to Sage.

Pseudoephedrine - Sudafed

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