Stop Breast-feeding

just do it a little at a time. Pick a feeding that you will skip and if you have to pump instead (pumping doesn't empty you very well but it will help make you comfortable and still help you cut down in milk supply). The obvious ones you don't want to stop till closer to the end will be first one in the morning and last one at night.

Hi Sara, Twice I've stopped this way, but it sort of takes a while, however, it is virtually pain free! I started pumping and giving the baby bottles of breastmilk, each time I'd pump for a little less amount of time, maybe by a minute or two. It took a good couple of weeks, but eventually I could only get about an ounce out of my "good breast" (ha) and I just let it go after that, and like i said, it was virtually pain-free.

I nursed my youngest for a year and when it was time to stop I gradually decreased the number of feedings each day. For example, about once a week I would cut out one feeding. That gives you body and your baby time to adjust. Good luck!

Put cabbage leaves in your bra! Don't ask me how it works but it does. I've done it twice and it helped alot!

I would decrease the feedings but at the same time start taking some antihistimes that will help with the drying up process (bottom line, less milk you produce = less it hurts)...it will prepare your child too to having less milk at the breast and more from the bottle. The Ibuprofen helps for the pain but what I found was the best was massaging them in a hot shower/bath (or even a hot tub if you have access to one) and you can express there too. Good luck!

Birth control pills. But get the kind w/both types of hormones. If you go on the pill right after having a baby they put you on one that has only one type of hormone or otherwise your milk will dry up. I thought I'd mention that if you wer already on the pill w/just one type of hormone.

Also there is a tea out there to help stop milk production. I can't remember the name though.

I hope that helps.
J.

I nursed my daughter much longer, but weaned gradually - for both of our sakes. I experienced no pain, no discomfort, so I would reccommend that route if you can. You said you were ready to stop, so maybe you can take it slowly for your babies sake too (remember, it's an adjustment for them as well). I slowly streatched out time between and when I got more time between, I would drop a feeding and slowly, they were all gone. I thought I should write a book about how well it went! (But the true secret was just taking the time to do it naturally, it went well for me and my daughter.)

I pumped just a little when I was in pain, and only enough to releive the pain. I was fine after a few days. I have heard to use cabbage leaves. Just stick them in your bra and they are supposed to help.

I agree with everyone's advice. Slowly back off the number of feedings. When you are down to about 2, go cold turkey. Put cabbage leaves in your freezer. Put them in your bra, and then put a super tight sports bra on over that. Don't take it off except to shower and then yes, no facing that shower head. Ibuprofen does wonders. I think there were two really bad days for me and then it was MUCH better. The cabbage thing does work as weird as it is. Just keep them bound up tight - no flopping freely! Good luck.

A friend of mine used cabbage leafs to "dry up" also my daughter-in-law decided to stop breast feeding after a few weeks and it works. I hope this helps you out.

You've already gotten some great advice. Depending on how quickly you wnat to stop, there are several things to do. Antihistamines, like benedryl, will help dry you up. Ditto on the cabbage leaves. If you don't want to do the gradual wean method, try pumping or hand expressing only enough milk to make you comfortable and only when necessary. Try five minutes every 5 hours, then every 6-8 hours. I agree with the ibuprophen, it will help with the dicomfort.

My ob told me the old wives remedy (and was willing to give meds if needed)...frozen cabbage leaves, on top of your breasts works great. Don't face the shower head, and don't touch them for a week. Take Tylenol as needed, if it gets worse, call your ob--there is a medication.

When I had to stop pumping (my baby did not nurse, but took my milk from the bottle), I just done it with more time between sessions. Usually do it every 3 hours? Drag it to every 5. Then 7, 9 etc. Then just as long as you can handle it. If this is your first child, WARNING: "Things" are never the same! (That is...your breasts will likely be smaller than before the baby. lol)

I agree with the cabbage leaves, Benadryl and ibuprofen. You may also want to try drinking sage tea. The recipes vary a bit online and I don't remember which recipe I used. Make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Hi,

Don't stop cold turkey. Do it gradually. Breastfeed gradually leaving out a feeding by using a bottle instead.
Gradually wean may take a month, but depending on your preference usually keeping the evening time before bed is still the best time to get the schedule down. Eventually you will stop feeding at night and keep the same routine that helps your child fall asleep. You may have to cuddle a bit more though, and that always a good thing.

Hi Sara-
It is uncomfortable I know-
but relief is easy, you can still give your child the benefit of breast milk for awhile and reduce the amount you are making at the same time.
Just get a pump, if you don't have one, the hand held is preferable. Simply because it is easier to control.
I am sure someone taught you how to or have figured out how to express milk. The trick here is to do a little at a time.

If you save and freeze the milk, the baby can still have the your protection through it. The antibodies in your milk will help keep your baby well. With all the virus's out there, I know you want to be careful. Also, you might want to hold back on any immunizations, due to mercury content.

when I was ready to stop I just decreased my own fluid intake for a few days, barely pumped just to relieve pressure and within a week, the milk was gone.