Expert: ruth kraft - 5/19/2009

Question
Hi,
I have a 16 month old daughter who is still nursing (around 4 times a day). I have tried to wean here because I have RA and need to get on methotrexate ASAP. Today I nursed here for the last time. I really have to stick to this or she will want to nurse forever. this is really hard for me. and really hard for her, I wish I could nurse her till she wanted to stop but I really must get on this medication. Tonight my breasts are getting hard and painful, I frequently got blocked ducts during our 16 months of nursing if she didn't drink throughout the day. I am allergic to sulfa and read that I should not use cabbage because of that. what can I do to help my daughter to get through this? how long does it usually take for a baby to accept this? she keeps rejecting the cup I offer her instead. what can I do to stop my milk ASAP?

Thank you!


Candice

Answer
Unfortunatly, because she isnt ready you will have to just wait it out and give her lots of hugs and cuddles. she isnt ready, and it isnt because shes thirsty. she nursed for comfort and its been taken away and doesnt like it. Its like if someone took her from you and gave you a baby doll instead and told you to get used to it. when its not the same. Give her lots of love otherwise and trust shell get through it. She will, and she will know that there is other kinds of nurturing too. It wont be that easy because she wasnt ready, and it sounds like neither are you.

I would also suggest you look at www.safefetus.com and look at dr. hales breastfeeding book , and find out about that medication too. you might not have to wean.

You can take sage tea bags, drink the tea and put the bags on your breasts inside your bra to reduce the milk. Or your doctor may be able to give you something to help the milk dry up.

good luck !