Weaning is one of those topics that there is still sooo much to say about. And I can’t figure out why. At first I thought maybe there was nothing to it, so that must be why their isn’t much written or talked about. But the first time I went through it I realized that it was more complicated than I expected emotionally and physically and I was completely unprepared for it. So why hadn’t I been prepared? Perhaps if I was, it would have gone smoother….
So in light of this, we have put together a simple guide to weaning intended to brief you on what to expect.
The Technical Aspects:
Technically you begin weaning the moment you introduce solid foods. But once you actually begin to cut out breastfeeding sessions is when you are in full weaning mode.
Remember, let baby be your guide. If they seem uninterested in the breast and are getting enough nutrition from a combination of solid foods and occasional nursing, then it may be a good time to cut out a feeding or two.
If you are initiating weaning before baby is showing these signs of readiness, it is especially important to make sure you go slow and cut out the feedings that they find the least important first.
Though tempting, we encourage you to not cut out nighttime nursing first if your baby seems to take comfort in it. It may seem ideal to cut these feeding out (especially if your goal is to get more sleep) but it could backfire on you. If they feel like their one source of nighttime comfort is being taken away, they may want to nurse even more often! And then you are actually a few steps behind.
Maintain first morning feedings so that baby gets off on a happy note for the day. Maintain feedings before bed and naps for as long as you think baby needs them.
Yet begin to explore other ways to get baby to sleep so eventually you can drop these ones. Slow and steady. As a general rule of thumb aim to drop one or two feedings a week.
The Breast Logistics:
If you ever experienced engorgement during those early days with baby you already know the discomfort that comes along with it. But even if you were never engorged before you may go through it when weaning. If you don’t recognize the symptoms it can catch you off guard. Your breasts will likely not be as swollen as they would be when engorged in the early days with baby, but you may get hard lumpy knots in your breasts and the tissue can get sore.
So how to you relieve this pressure without signaling to your body to keep producing milk? In the early days with baby your lactation consultant may have recommended using a breast pump to relieve the pressure. You can still do this when weaning, but you want to be more cautious that you are only relieving the pressure and not anything more. Otherwise you are signaling to your body to produce more milk and this can make the engorgement worse.
One solution to engorgement during weaning is good old cabbage leaves. Pick up head of cabbage at the grocery store and toss it in the fridge. Peel off a couple of cool leaves and tuck them in your bra. Leave them in for about 20 min (or until they get limp from your body heat) and then switch them out for fresh ones. It really works–though they are a little smelly so I would take them out before leaving the house.
Other hidden secrets:
Any kind of stimulation can set your breasts off at this stage. In the shower turn your back to the water, and try not to touch them. You may even have to make a conscious effort to not think about them–as you may have discovered when you first started nursing baby; your mind has the ability to elicit the let-down reflex simply by thinking of baby. If your body was ever inclined to respond this way before, it will likely respond that way now. So keep busy and keep your mind off of it.
Don’t be discouraged if you have some conflicting feelings about making the choice to wean. It is a huge milestone event in your parenting journey. It can be emotionally overwhelming because not only do you feel like your little baby is turning in to a full blown child, but your hormones are likely in flux once again as your body adjusts to the fact that it is no longer releasing the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. This is one of those times when the cry-it-out method is indeed appropriate –that is, you cry out your feelings if necessary!
Don’t worry if…
Does it seem like you have some sort of unnatural attachment to your nursing bras? Don’t worry, you aren’t a weirdo! Many women can’t bear to get rid of there nursing bras even when they no longer have a use for them. And really, who can blame them; they are a tangible reminder of a special time you shared with baby. So don’t feel pressured to get rid of them just yet. Hang on to them. You may feel ready to get rid of them one day. You may need them for another baby sometime in the future. Or you may turn them into a creative keepsake art project! It sounds like a joke I know–but it has been done
For more tips on weaning check out the articles on La Leche League’s Website. This is the best collection of information on weaning that we have found. You can browse for articles that discuss your particular concerns, challenges or situation.
Or try The Nursing Mother’s Guide to Weaning by Kathleen Huggins. Available in our Lending Library. Stop by the store and browse anytime. Membership is just $10 /year and you can check out all of our great books.
Did you know you can now use re-usable cloth inserts in gDiapers? In addition to their disposable, biodegradable ones–you can get even more for your money with cloth inserts!
After much consideration on how we can better serve our dedicated local customers, we have decided to consolidate Birth and Beyond baby back under its mother store 
The Shower Hug—a fabulous solution for the mom with sore breasts.
Peekaru Baby Carrier. A perfect fit for any babywearer, but particularly good for those of us in the NW. This fleece vest goes on your body, but zips around baby as well, with the perfect little spot for their head to peek out.
