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Breastfeeding/Weaning
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Question
Hi,
I have begun weaning my daughter three weeks back and at this point we have stopped the final feeding in the am. She is pulling on my shirt and cranky and I miss it as well but we want to get pregnant as well and I still have not gotten my period (my daughter is 13 months old). I made it the entire day yesterday without breastfeeding Julia and I woke up this morning at 5am with very full breasts that were slightly throbbing. I pumped and gave Julia the milk. Is pumping defeating the purpose? I want my milk supply to slow down but do not want to take herbs to stop it (the idea of wearing cabbage sounds funny but I'd be willing to try). Please offer some advise if possible. We are on a single income and money is tight or I'd go out and buy a book on this.
Thanks!
Hello Wendy - Weaning is such a transition for both you and your daughter. It's been over a year of the closeness and quality bonding that you have grown to love and it's nature's bond that you both are tied to :) But the best way to do it is gradually, and at 13 months, your duaghter will become intrigued by new things at home, playing and interaction with you. So you can try to add in new routines that will keep you both close and help transition from the breastfeeding sessions. Again, it is best to do it gradually for both of you!
As for your engorgement, pumping will continue to spark more breast milk production. Your body is signalled to produce more as you release milk. So again, graudally nature will reset your supply and in the meantime, I could recommend the LaMa Bra at www.lamabra.com that is a discreet and more hygeine solution over cabbage leaves, but if money is tight I do recommend cabbage leaves as the are common and provide relief cheaply too. The LaMa Bra can be worn as an everyday bra after you are thru with the weaning and engorgement, so it may still be economical for you and with planning to have another one, you'll be prepared in advance. Good luck and just go gradually and time will help the process for you both and nature to reset your supply regulation to what is needed. All the best!
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Answers by Expert:
Sue Ennis
Expertise
I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.
Experience
I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.
Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.
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