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About Michele Carnesecca, RN, IBCLC
Expertise
Author of the book "MOMMY"S LITTLE BREASTFEEDING BOOK: 101 TIPS YOUR BABY WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT NURSING" (Go to littlebreastfeedingbook.com). I can answer questions on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to increase your milk supply, engorgement, mastitis, scheduling feedings, going back to work, sore nipples, correct latch and positioning, pumps, bras, bottles, pacifiers, breastfeeding products, how to know if your baby is getting enough, and most questions about breastfeeding. I have worked as a Registered Nurse in Pediatrics, Newborn ICU, and Mother/Baby. I have been a Lactation Consultant for 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I teach Prenatal Breastfeeding classes and I currently work as a Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse at a "Magnet" hospital. I have breastfed 4 children of my own.

Experience
I have worked as a registered nurse in Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, and Newborn ICU. I have been a Lactation Consultant for the past 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I currently work as a lactation consultant in a "Magnet" hospital. I also teach Prenatal Breastfeeding classes. I have breastfed four children of my own. I am the author of "Mommy's Little Breastfeeding Book: 101 tips your baby wants you to know about nursing". This book is a "must have" for every breastfeeding mother. It contains invaluable information about nursing in a quick, easy-to-read format.

Organizations
IBCLC

Publications

Education/Credentials
High School graduate, RN degree from Weber State/Utah State University, IBCLC member

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Pregnancy/Birth > Breastfeeding > changing my mind about weaning.

Breastfeeding - changing my mind about weaning.

Expert: Michele Carnesecca, RN, IBCLC - 10/3/2008

Question
I have a 17 month old son, I decided about a week ago to stop breastfeeding. He was persistant about lifting my shirt and whining wanting to nurse. I am feeling really guilty about stopping, I thought I would let him go ahead and nurse through this winter. ( Maybe let him stop around 2 years old) When I let him nurse, he acted like my milk tasted bad! Could it taste different now? Maybe it's because he hasn't nursed in over a week? What do I need to do to get my milk back? I am still engorged and leaking. Does this mean I still have plenty of milk?

Answer
Hello Janell,

That is great that you have nursed your baby for so long. What great benefits for him and you. That is great that you want to continue nursing. I have a couple of thoughts that might help:

As you wean, your milk can turn a little more salty (which is why your baby may have acted that way). As you start to increase your supply again, your milk should change back again to how it was. I wouldn't think it will be too much of a problem if you just stopped a week ago.

Your breasts work on a supply/demand system. If you want to increase your supply, simply increase the stimulation to the breast. After every feeding, you can pump for about 10-15 minutes on each breast.

You can try power pumping if you really want to increase your supply. This works best with a hospital grade pump. Use a pump where you can pump both breasts at the same time. Pump for 10 minutes, take it off for 10 minutes. Pump again for 10 minutes, take it off for 10 minutes. Do this for the space of an hour every day.

After trying these things, you should notice a difference in your milk supply in a couple of days.

It is great that you still feel that you have milk and that you are actively leaking. Your supply has probably dropped a little, but it shouldn't be difficult to increase it after only a week.

You can go to www.littlebreastfeedingbook.com. This book is a must-have for every mother who is breastfeeding. It contains the most important tips every nursing mother should know.

Good luck! I hope it goes well.

Michele

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