Expert: ruth kraft - 8/14/2011

Question
I just stopped breast feeding my 15 month old, and he is pretty upset. His tantrums get out of hand he begins to bang his head on the floor or hit me. This is only day two of cold turkey quitting and I'm so uncomfortable, my son takes to milk just a little bit but he keeps persisting to pull my shirt down and I just tell him sorry. First question what can I do to make his tantrums less harsh and for the pain is it true I can use an ace bandage? How long will it take for the pain and fullness to go down? I can't use cabbage but if you could give me some tips for what else I can do
thank you so much for your time.    

         Sarah

Answer
There isnt much you can do about the tantrums. THe baby is feeling some abandonment going on. He is upset for a reason and the rejection is one he does not understand. BE patient and don't feed them. Lots of redirection is going to be needed.

If cabbage doesn't work for you then try drinking sage tea and putting the tea bags on your breasts . this works well for many people. Binding can work but increases the clogged ducts and mastitis chances.

If you reconsider, weaning over time is typically much easier for mom and baby. Cutting out one feeding a week until they are gone makes the rejection not so hard for the little one and your breasts like it better too :)