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Chances are you want to know how to stop breastfeeding right? Well, there is a bunch of different (and sometimes crazy-sounding) information out there. In basic terms, there are two ways to stop breastfeeding. You can either stop cold turkey, or you can gradually reduce the amount that you breastfeed or express. At the end of the day, it’s up to you how you want to stop breastfeeding. I can only advise you on what way is going to make your life a little easier during the process.
Reasons for Stopping Breastfeeding?
Your child is reaching toddler age
If you got this far then give yourself a massive pat on the back! You have done amazingly!
Medication
I had to stop my breastfeeding journey because I started a new medication which meant it was unsafe to carry on. I felt mixed emotions about this, and one of them was guilt and it took me a while to feel ok about it. Don’t feel guilty about it mama. You need to do what is best for you, and in return, this will be the best for your baby as well.
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Teething
Before I had to stop, I had always said that once Millie had her first tooth, I would stop breastfeeding (for obvious reasons).
Returning to work
Of course, you can always pump at work, and employers have to make sure you have somewhere to do it, but it’s understandable if you don’t feel comfortable doing this.
If you do want to continue giving your little one breastmilk when you return to work. I seriously suggest this breast pump. I didn’t know that I was able to express that much milk until I used this and it’s an investment in your baby’s growth.
Wanting your body back
After 9 months of pregnancy, postpartum recovery and then breastfeeding, I totally get that you would want your body back to yourself again. I didn’t realise until I stopped breastfeeding how much I wanted my own body back again…if that makes sense?
All of these are completely valid reasons for wanting to stop breastfeeding. Maybe, I didn’t list your reason? You know what, it doesn’t mean that your reason isn’t valid too. Whatever your reason, it is totally ok to stop breastfeeding whenever you feel like you are ready too.
Related: Weaning a Baby 101. All you Need to Know for your Weaning Adventure.
It’s your choice, Don’t Let Anyone Tell you Otherwise!
There are loads of scary statistics out there that will tell you that not breastfeeding will increase your child’s chance of cot death, obesity and even lower their IQ?! Which, sorry, I find crazy.
You know what though? Fed is best, and you honestly can’t let yourself be scared into something you don’t want to do, because you can’t let yourself feel trapped.
That isn’t healthy for anyone, plus you don’t want to dread or resent feed times. You have to do what works best for you as ultimately, that will lead to the happiest mum and baby combo you can get.
What Can Happen when you Stop Breastfeeding
Engorgement
You probably experienced this when your milk first came in. It is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, but you can ease these symptoms with a warm compress. If left, it can turn into mastitis so be careful. These gel pads can be used warm or cold. The perfect thing to help relieve the symptoms of engorgement.
Mastitis
This is when your breast tissue becomes inflamed. Sometimes the area is red and feels warm to the touch. It can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and you may need to see your doctor.
An unsettled baby
This is bound to happen. Your little one will be a bit unsettled with the change in routine, because, as we know babies LOVE routine. This won’t last forever so push through it and then everything will settle down again.
Discomfort
There are going to be times where you are uncomfortable for a while. This is while your body gets used to not having to produce as much milk as it once did. There are ways to reduce the amount of discomfort, but we’ll get onto this in a minute.
Leaking boobs
This is pretty normal, you are probably used to your boobs leaking a bit from breastfeeding anyway, but I suggest to keep a stock of breastpads just in case. When you stop breastfeeding your boobs will leak less and less as time goes on. It could take up to a month for your milk to dry up completely though.
Is There a Wrong Way to Stop Breastfeeding?
After lots of reading, and experience. There is a right and (not a wrong way), but a much more uncomfortable route to take when you stop breastfeeding.
You could decide to go cold turkey, and stop all breastfeeding and expressing in one day. Personally, this is not great advice when you want to know how to stop breastfeeding. Stopping cold turkey could lead to mastitis, some extreme discomfort and most of all, a bit of a shock to your baby.
If you decide to go cold turkey make sure you keep a watch out for mastitis. This can be painful and sometimes require antibiotics from your doctor.
You’re also going to have a lot of discomforts as your boobs become engorged. You can ease this with a warm compress.
Your baby, on the other hand, is going to be wondering what an earth is going on. They have been used to lots of snuggles while having a nice meal. So, to suddenly have a bottle at every feed and milk that tastes different from what they are used to will come as a shock. They will get used to it, but it may result in them being a bit grumpier than usual.
If you have to stop cold turkey, then there are ways to manage the symptoms. As I mentioned beforehand, I had to suddenly stop because of medication. Although if I had the choice, I would have opted for the gradual stopping method.
How to Stop Breastfeeding the Easy Way.
By gradually stopping breastfeeding, you are less likely to develop mastitis, your discomfort level should be lower and your baby will have more chance to gradually get used to not breastfeeding.
By gradually decreasing the number of times in a day you breastfeed or express you will find that the engorgement phase will be a hell of a lot shorter as your body will quickly learn that it doesn’t need to produce half as much milk.
The gradual method is also mimicking how your little one would stop breastfeeding. As babies grow into toddlers, their need for milk decreases because they are starting to take in nutrition from solids.
This means that you can express less often and nurse less often, but not quit cold turkey. This will lower your chance of mastitis, engorgement and your little one will be less unsettled because it won’t be such a big change for them and you could even get some milk frozen in the freezer if you’re lucky.
Over time you nurse and/or express less and less often until your milk has practically dried up. Then you can just stop altogether. By using this gradual method you also give your baby a much better chance of getting used to the bottle in their own time.
Have you made your mind up?
If you have any more questions about this then feel free to ask me in the comments section.
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