Weaning discomfort how long

Featured video. Is it normal to develop mastitis even after I've weaned my child? I'm weaning my baby. Is there anything I can do to help dry up my milk supply? What mastitis looks like: Photos. Weaning tips from moms who've been there. I'm not breastfeeding.

Will my breast milk dry up on its own? New to BabyCenter? Join now. Password Forgot your password? Keep me logged in. Log in. Get the BabyCenter app. Your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the infection. There are many sources of information, including your paediatrician, family doctor, a community health nurse, breastfeeding clinic, lactation consultant and La Leche League.

Last updated: June Home Pregnancy and Babies Current: Weaning your child from breastfeeding. When should I wean my baby? Can sit up without support, and has good control of his neck muscles. Holds food in his mouth without pushing it out on his tongue right away. Shows interest in food when others are eating. Opens his mouth when he sees food coming his way.

How do I wean my baby? A sudden, abrupt wean should only be considered in extreme circumstances. Start by substituting one feed. When one feed is going well, substitute another feed, and so on. Continue this way, substituting one feed at a time. The pace is up to you and your baby , but in general, the slower the better.

You can start with a liquid such as expressed breast milk in a bottle or cup or a complementary food after about 6 months of age. Hold and cuddle your baby if you are feeding from a bottle. This extra closeness will help both of you during the weaning process. Never prop a bottle. Bottle propping can put your baby at risk for choking and causes early childhood caries. Watch the cues you give to your baby. If you have to take a medication, talk to your doctor.

There are very few medications that require you to stop breastfeeding. If you are very sick, or if you and your baby have to be separated or a long time, try some of the suggestions for caring for your breasts described below.

If your breasts get uncomfortable, express your milk to avoid blocked ducts, mastitis or a breast abscess. Babies who are sick should NOT be abruptly weaned. Is weaning painful?

It will gradually resolve, but in the meantime, there are steps you can take that will help relieve the fullness and ease the discomfort: Consider drinking sage tea. Scientific data supporting the use of herbal teas are limited, however, anecdotal reports claim that drinking cups of sage tea each day can reduce milk production. The nasal decongestant, pseudoephedrine Sudafed , may also reduce milk supply, however the data are limited.

One study of eight mothers reported a 25 percent reduction in milk supply with a single does of pseudoephedrine. Consider using cabbage leaves. As crazy as it may sound, cabbage can help.

Place fresh, clean, refrigerated cabbage leaves on your breasts nipples uncovered , inside your bra. Change them when they wilt, and repeat until your breasts feel soft.

Avoid red cabbage leaves that are more apt to stain your clothing. Consider taking pain medication.