How do I wean safely for me?

[Pesca77]

Sadly I need to wean my 5mth DS on to prescription formula. This has not been an easy road or resolution to accept, but one our LC as well as Paed and GP all agree on for the best thing for bubs in this rare case :(

Currently we demand b/f which is an average 8 feeds per 24hrs, usually 2 overnight. Could I please get some advice on how to safely wean so that I don't end up too engorged or with mastitis? I don't mind if it takes a few weeks as I'd be happy to at least be able to reach 6mths b/f if possible, even if only comp feeding.

I'm absolutely devastated that I have to end our b/f bond and relationship, so anything to make it as easy as possible on the both of us would be appreciated. I have no idea how to start the weaning process and my LC is on holidays. Thanks in advance.

[jacobsmamma]

You should call the Australian breast feeding association on 1800 mum 2 mum. You could also look at their website for info on weaning. They are very useful for all things breast feeding including weaning. Good luck. Xox

[missie_mack]

Drop a feed every 4-5 days. Any more than that and lumps etc become a risk. Doing it slowly also means you are less likely to end up with deflated looking boobs after it is all said and done.

Have you thought about using an SNS? So you can at least maintain the bond. Are you able to keep up 1 or 2 feeds a day (like last at night and first in the morning) longterm?

[SpottySocks]

A friend of mine had to give up breast feeding as she was having medical treatment that would harm her baby. Her GP gave her some tablets to dry up her milk supply - I have no idea what it was or what sort of effect it had. She didn't have time to wean slowly. Might be worth talking to your GP.

Otherwise I would recommend dropping a feed a week so your body can adjust. Maybe give bubs a bottle first and then a small breast feed to relese any pressure on your breasts. If you are feeling engorged etc.

Best wishes.

[Pesca77]

Drop a feed every 4-5 days. Any more than that and lumps etc become a risk. Doing it slowly also means you are less likely to end up with deflated looking boobs after it is all said and done.

Have you thought about using an SNS? So you can at least maintain the bond. Are you able to keep up 1 or 2 feeds a day (like last at night and first in the morning) longterm?

Thank-you - I don't know much about the SNS so will google, thanks. I would love to try and feed 1-2 per day if he can handle it (medically). I didn't think my body would keep up enough supply on that though?? I read somewhere that you need to keep up 5-6 to maintain supply?

[Gothel]

The best advice i ever got was to soap your hands in the shower and check your boobs carefully for lumps. You catch them early, getly work on them in the shower and then gently target them with your fingers as you feed. i did this with several lumps and never got mastitis, whether this is a coincidence or not I don't know but dd1 weaned herself very suddenly and we got through it OK.

I hope you are OK with it all, I don't know the reasons you have arrived at your decision but it sounds like you are doing it with the best of advice so please don't beat yourself up about it. good luck with it all :hugs: