How to Wean Gradually
I recently weaned my third (and probably last) baby and had very mixed feelings about it.
There were a lot of things I was excited about:
Getting my body “back”
Not being hungry all. the. time.
Not having to plan around pumping or feeding
Wearing whatever I want
Being DONE with pumping!!!!
One of the last nursing sessions with my third baby Lily
On the other hand, breastfeeding has been part of my identity for over six years. Since I work full time, breastfeeding was my main bonding time with my babies. It was my most effective way to comfort them and also helped force me to slow down. Pumping was a load of drudgery, but I also felt like a super hero being able to feed and grow my little humans using just my body. And I still get emotional when I think about a little tiny hand reaching up to my face while we were snuggled in the glider. As usual, breastfeeding is a roller coaster and the weaning process is no different.
There are many factors and situations that lead to weaning and each parent’s situation, speed of weaning and feelings are different. Babies also have feelings and reactions to weaning, so it can be a complicated process.
Take your time
If your situation allows, I always recommend weaning as gradually as possible. There are many hormones involved in breastfeeding, so gradually weaning gives your body and your hormones time to adjust without huge emotional fluctuations. It also gives your body time to wind down milk production, which helps alleviate discomfort from engorgement and lowers risks of clogs or mastitis.
If you’re doing a combination of pumping and nursing, I recommend cutting out the pumping first. Start with the session you dislike the most (this is usually either at work or in the evening). Your body tends to produce less volume at night, so it’s a nice baby step. if you’re not pumping, cut out the session your child seems least attached to.
After 4-5 days, cut out another pumping (or nursing) session. If this is at work, adjust the time of other session(s) so they are more evenly spaced. For example, if you usually pump at 8:30 am, noon and 4 pm, cut out the 4 pm session, but try to pump at 10 am and 2 pm. I realize this is not always possible, but if your job allows this flexibility, that is ideal.
Tip: If you can’t adjust the timing and you’re feeling really engorged by the end of the day, a quick (3-4 min) pump or hand expression can relieve engorgement, but avoids a lot of extra stimulation.
Next, take out the morning pumping session and only pump at noon. If you nurse your baby before work, continue doing this as it’s usually a comfort for them and extra cuddles for you. At any point if you feel really engorged or uncomfortable, either hand express or pump for a short period to relieve the pressure.
Continue taking out pumping/feeding sessions until you feel that your body has adjusted. This usually takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on production levels, age of baby and baby’s attachment to nursing.
Tip: Take out the morning wake-up and bedtime sessions last as those are the sessions your child is most likely the most attached to.
A few things to keep in mind at the end:
Many people don’t realize they’ve had their last nursing session until it’s been a few days that their baby or toddler hasn’t nursed. This can be upsetting, so try to pay attention as you wind down.
If you would like to wean but your child does not, try to give extra attention and cuddles at the times you would normally nurse. Wearing high-necked shirts and tighter clothes can be helpful, especially if you’re co-sleeping.
Your body may continue to produce milk after you’ve stopped nursing or pumping. Some women may all of a sudden feel milk months after they’ve stopped and this is normal (happened to me twice!). If you feel clogs or lumps develop, massage them and hand express or massage and just allow it to re-absorb. If it becomes painful or red/hot, call your doctor (although this would be rare).
This process will be different for everyone, so if you feel you need more support or a more personalized “schedule,” I offer video calls and would be happy to help work through it. Contact me here if you’d like to set up a time!