Breastfeeding: How to Ease the Discomfort of Weaning

Weaning can be a difficult time in the course of breastfeeding. All of the emotional bonds that were so carefully nurtured may feel as if they are being severed in half. Many mothers feel sadness at ending this important time in their children's lives. But more than the emotional pain weaning can bring, there is also a physical discomfort that comes from weaning. Many mothers find themselves looking for ways to ease the discomfort of waning after breastfeeding.

Though you and your child may be ready to move on to the next stage, your breasts may still be invested in producing milk. Suddenly weaning can often cause them to ache and fill with milk in a way very similar to engorgement at the beginning. The easiest way to combat this is to take weaning very slowly. Stop a single feeding at a time for several days or weeks and allow your breasts to adjust to making less milk than before. This will not only help your breasts adjust but will also allow your child time to adjust to this new step. This may take several months to fully wean yetis often worth it.

If engorgement occurs from weaning it can usually be treated in the same way that engorgement at the beginning of breastfeeding is treated. Cool packs to reduce pain and swelling and warmth to keep milk flowing. If you do not allow the milk being created to release somehow then you may risk the chance of mastitis and a possible breast duct infection. If you belief that you are beginning to experience an infection return to breastfeeding on that breast or begin pumping milk. This will reduce the pressure on the blocked duct and help release any clogs that may be causing the infection.

There are many ways you can stop your milk production to aid in weaning. Cabbage leaves stuffed into your bra is one old fashioned treatment that women once used. Today you can often find easier ways to help reduce your milk. One favorite is drinking No More Milk tea from Earth Mama Angel Baby, an organic herbal tea that is specially designed to reduce and end milk production for weaning. There are also many other teas available that offer the same help for weaning mothers.

Weaning can be a painful time, both emotionally and physically. Fortunately the physical discomfort can be treated with a few simple steps.