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Breastfeeding/stopping breastfeeding
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Question
I would like advice on how to stop breast feeding. My son is 21 months old I have been trying to let him stop on his own but he really doesn't want to. I have cut back he eats 3 full meals but I am more of comfort when he is hurt or when he goes to sleep.Also he hasn't really slept through the night he will wake up and want to breast feed almost just to make sure I'm there. I love having him near by at night but I want my breasts back.Eventually I would like another baby and I don't think I could handle a baby on 1 side and a toddler on the other. My husband gets up very early in the morning and I'm a stay at home mom so I haven't had my husband put him to bed or comfort him during the night.any advice would be a great help.thank you
Hello Kristine - At 21 months, your son has loved the comforting nature of breastfeeding, the security and closeness to you! But the good news is that at 21 months, you can convert this closeness to other things such as quiet time with books and other interesting things that are a distraction to him. He's getting full nutrition from his solids and other meals, and it's also a tough transition, but you'll need patience and a gradual process to allow time to help draw him away from breastfeeding. So I suggest starting new routines of playtime and book reading or just cuddling. Maybe stroller walks together to introduce new settings and to have him start craving new learning experiences. And in terms of him waking, you'll need to let him learn to self soothe. If he's feed and changed, he should be going through the night, but of course much more fun to have mom with him, he loves you and that feeling of security you offer. Perhaps try a cozy new blanket or a safe stuffed animal that will be his buddy when he wakes up, and when you hear him wake, give him some time to possibly fall back asleep. Remember, they wake and are still tired and are most likely to go back to sleep. It's tough to not go in and take care of them, but that act is what actually wakes them fully up. So between introducing new quality time and offering new stimulating, you will gradually work through this, good luck and I wish you 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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