what are the typical symptoms when you stop breastfeeding?

Question

ive been breastfeeding for 6weeks straight..every 3 hours.. ive been slowly reducing the feedings to every 4, 5 hours, ect... (of course supplementing with formula) im now just doing it twice a day, if need be... is cold turkey from now on a good idea? if my breast get really hard, should i pump? any ideas or suggestions will be helpful? thanks

Answer 1

Going cold turkey is ok but you do know the longer you breastfeed the healthier your kid is gonna be right? Unless there is a serious problem you should continue for another few months even if you have to use a pump and put it in a bottle. When you quit wear a really tight bra even when you sleep. If they get extra sore use cold compresses to help alleviate any pain. The milk will eventually be resorbed by your body.

Answer 2

I stopped when my baby was five months. I went cold turkey but I was having a problem with my milk supply too. You may want to pump just to alleviate engorgement if your milk supply was adequate. Also, keep wearing nursing pads because your breast will leak for a while after breast feeding. Sometimes mine still leak once in a while and my baby is now seven and a half months.

However, I must ask, why quit breastfeeding? I couldn't do the "baby to breast" feeding because of my two jobs, so I was able to stretch the breastfeeding by exclusively pumping. Breast milk is very good for your baby and you may want to try that. My niece quit breastfeeding and her baby has had colds, earaches, etc. Mine has never *knock on wood* been sick yet. Breast milk is very, very good for your baby.

But if not, eventually the milk will go away and do what you have to do for your comfort. Take care. And remember, whatever you feed you baby, breast milk or formula, he/she can still be a very healthy baby. Congrats on your new baby!

Answer 3

pumping to reduce engorgement is not a good idea. As long as youre expressing your milk, youre going to produce more. I know it sounds weird, but, cabbag over your breasts relieves engorgement. I suppose you could gradually reduce your feedings of breast milk....every 8,then 12 , 16 etc. This will just require more patience. but, either way...the less you express, the less you will make. good luck!