from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Most women will experience some form of discomfort during the weaning process. Discovering effective ways to reduce pain while weaning can help breastfeeding mothers accomplish their goal with greater ease. There are simple steps that nursing mothers can take to help make the weaning process a little smoother.
Steps
Knowing What to Expect- Begin by educating yourself about what can be expected when you stop breastfeeding your baby. Weaning is a fairly routine process, but there may be a few surprises along the way. It helps to know what to expect before you begin.
- Spend some time reading as much as you can about the weaning process. The more information that you gather, the more equipped you will be with knowledge of the subject. The Internet is a great source of information where you can find numerous websites catering to pregnancy, breastfeeding and weaning. Libraries carry books devoted to these subjects. Literature is available by mail from some breastfeeding advocacy groups that provide information about weaning.
- Speak to a health professional who specializes in the subject. Many centers offer educational seminars, meetings or classes for breastfeeding mothers wishing to learn more about the weaning process. These professionals can often be your best resource for finding real life tips from those who have experience with breastfeeding and weaning.
- Talk to experienced mothers and find out what their weaning process was like. You may be surprises to hear some of the tips that others have to offer. Many times, other moms can be an excellent source of information for nursing, weaning and other parenting tips.
- Start the entire weaning process in a gradual, slow manner. Any abrupt cessation of breastfeeding will confuse the body. Your body has prepared itself to meet your baby’s nutritional needs based on how much milk your baby has been requiring. Your body has not been prepared to stop producing milk at a quick rate. It needs time to realize that the milk is no longer needed. If you abruptly stop nursing, your body is less likely to be able to handle the transition smoothly, and you are more likely to experience painful side effects as a result.
- Start trying to acclimate your baby to taking a bottle well before you attempt to start the weaning process. For most babies, formula tastes yucky in comparison to breast milk. The nipple on the bottle is foreign to baby. The entire sucking process is different and the security of nursing from mom has been eliminated. Your baby will need time to accept these changes.
- Begin reducing your baby’s feedings a little at a time once a form of substitute feeding has been established. Substitute formula or solid food to satisfy your baby’s nutritional needs as weaning progresses. Healthy snacks are an important part of the weaning process as well.
- Massage the breasts immediately after you begin the weaning efforts. Massage can help prevent the milk ducts from becoming plugged up. Massage as often as possible and always use gentle, circular motions.
- Watch for the development of any lumps or sore, red areas in the breasts. If this occurs, it probably signifies that a plugged milk duct is present. Begin paying extra attention to the area and increase massage time to it. The point is to break the plug up with massage. Warm showers can be beneficial in helping massage work more effectively.
- Seek medical attention if the increase of massage efforts fails to rectify the situation in a day or so. If the symptoms worsen or if fever takes place, it is possible that the plugged duct has progressed to a condition known as Mastitis. If you suspect that this is the case, contact your health care provider immediately, as Mastitis can have serious complications if not treated quickly and properly.
- Apply warm compresses to the breasts if they become tender. Cold compresses, generally used when engorgement has occurred, can be beneficial for some women. Determine which offers you more comfort and incorporate your choice into a routine as necessary.
- Begin wearing a good fitting bra, even during sleep. Too small or too large of a bra will defeat the purpose. Avoid bras that contain under wires.
- Place some large cabbage leaves into the cup of your bra. This has been used for centuries to help hasten the drying up process of the milk.
- Place some nursing pads against your nipples if leakage becomes a problem. Many women are embarrassed when leakage presents itself through their clothing. The pads are an effective way to promote absorption.
- Remain on your pre-natal vitamins to ensure proper nutrition to the body as the body tries to adjust to the changes occurring.
- Speak to your health care provider about the use of Ibuprofen as a pain reducer if pain becomes too great to bear.
- Continue to eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. Promoting good health is always an effective way to help the body function better.
- There is some anecdotal evidence that sage tea can help.
- Try to get a full nights rest. The body is going through serious changes and it could use some help from you. Sleep is one of the best ways for the body to regenerate and heal itself.
- Keep in mind that the hormonal changes can affect your moods. Expect to feel all manner of emotions right now. Weaning is a psychological experience as well as physical. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you are feeling.
- Do not pump the breasts until they are empty when you are decreasing your feeding sessions. Doing so will trigger the body to replenish the milk. Instead, drain a little bit of milk from the breast to prevent the breast from becoming engorged. Do this as often as needed if the breasts become too full. A warm shower can assist with allowing the milk to leak out a bit.
Understanding Your Baby’s Needs
- Try to keep in mind that your baby may be having some difficulty adjusting to the change. Not only did she lose her mother’s breasts, she lost her comfort time with her mom.
- Find alternative ways to comfort and reassure your baby that do not involve the breast.
- Use distraction methods to prevent your baby from craving your breasts. Distraction can be accomplished easily and in many different ways. Anything that averts your baby’s attention from the breast is a successful distraction tactic.
- Remain patient with your baby during this process. This time will pass and your baby and you will move on to another chapter in your lives before you know it.
Warnings
- Get medical attention if signs of Mastitis become apparent. Mastitis requires proper treatment and should never be ignored. Antibiotics are the general course of treatment.
- Seek professional assistance if during the course of weaning depression becomes prolonged and intense.
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