Reclaim Your Fun Bags After Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful act of love and sacrifice. When a mother nurses her child, she is giving more than nourishment; she is bonding with her youngster. With breastfeeding comes the responsibility of providing your baby with healthy nutrition through your diet (BabyCenter.com, 2005). When it's time to wean your little one off the breast you have to do it with care for both of your sakes. Encouraging your baby to let go of the teat can be difficult for both of you, but it is a task you'll have to perform to reclaim your breasts.

As a nursing mother, you may have an idea of how long you'd like to breastfeed your child. Whether you establish a deadline prior to beginning or some time after you've begun actively feeding, once you're ready to stop, you'll want to be consistent. A good rule to follow is to stop when he or she can easily forget. Babies can put up quite a fuss when you're holding out, but a toddler can get downright embarrassing when demanding the ninny in public.

After your baby reaches the desired weaning age, pediatricians recommend the age of one year, you can begin gradually lessening the frequency of feedings (Berstein, n.d.). By discontinuing breastfeeding while your child is younger, you may decrease the level of difficulty in the weaning process. A good indication of an appropriate cut-off time is the stage of development your little one is in. If your baby is cutting teeth, he or she has the potential to use them on you. Please note: those jagged little shards can cut you too. Split nipples will not put you in a happy feeding mood. Besides, teeth are tools by which to grind food and they typically form once your baby is ready to munch on something other than mama.

The more you nurse and drink fluids, the more milk you will produce. Your body works on a supply and demand system. You will have to supply less even when your child demands more (BabyCenter.com, 2005). It is important to reduce the amount of feedings over the course of time. Cutting back on your fluid intake will lessen the milk your body generates, but you don't want to dehydrate yourself. Cabbage leaves inserted into your bra are said to help to dry up your milk as well.

Quitting cold turkey will cause both you and your little one much discomfort. Your breasts may become engorged, lumpy and extremely painful (LLLI, 2006). You may become tempted to resume nursing to get some relief. All the while, your child will cry and protest which will also serve as a method to sway you. Don't give in.

Some children are stubborn enough to go without food and refuse drink for several hours or even a few days. Despite their adamancy, eventually he or she will take what you give due to sheer innate survival. If you are concerned, contact your child's pediatrician for suggestions.

Your child may become prone to crying and pouting, perhaps even throwing tantrums. You may actually do a little of that yourself. But if you truly want to reclaim your fun bags, you will need to remain strong and consistent. By replacing your breast milk with baby formula or Vitamin D enriched cow's milk in addition to baby food and table food, you will find comfort in knowing your child is receiving adequate nutrition. Ultimately, that is what any mother wants.

It's okay for your child to adopt another food source, you'll still be mommy just not nursemaid. Determining the method, whether through bottle or Sippy cup will be a big decision. Spoon feeding or encouraging independent finger foods is another decision you'll have to make based on your child's capabilities and willingness to participate. Remember, it's a gradual process and you'll both be learning what your baby likes.

Cover them up. Out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind in this case, but at least means out of reach. Bind your breasts with an ace bandage, sports bra or other wireless bra. The goal is to restrict the milk flow without causing blockages. Bras with underwire may limit the milk in a manner that results in painful blocked ducts. Place ice packs on your breasts to contract ducts and ease swelling that will result from milk that has come in (Sheryl, 2009).

Avoid squeezing or massaging your breasts even though they may look and feel like a botched boob job. Gently apply lanolin like the brand Lansinoh or another soothing ointment, cream or lotion to your nipples and areolas in particular. Rubbing moisturizers on the taut skin of your breasts may provide some comfort, but try not to stimulate the milk. If you express your milk for immediate gratification, you will regret it because your body will respond by replenishing what has been expelled (LLLI, 2008).

Granted, when your breasts fill with milk, they may become impressive masses of meat, but the pain will be equally impressive. You may experience aching, tightness, heat, and what seems to be an impending explosion. The desire to take the edge off will be strong; don't turn to cocktails. Some types of alcohol may increase the milk supply and your breasts will appear to have grown exponentially in a short amount of time. Try Motrin or Extra Strength Tylenol to ease the pain.

You must be willing to suffer through the discomfort to accomplish the task at hand-- or at breast, in this case. Once you reach the desired outcome, the process will be one of those little hurdles in life much like any other you've overcome.

After you stop breastfeeding you may notice a change in your breasts. Often, the fullness and firmness you once knew is no longer present. Those feminine mounds you have worked hard to reclaim may appear as if they are not your own. Reclaim your fun bags, and if they have a little sag prop those bad boys up. Dress them up. Fabulous, supportive bras with pretty detailing can make a big difference in their appearance.

Yes, you have made a bit of a sacrifice, but rest assured, you've given your child a great start by providing nutrients through the most natural source possible. It makes it worth it. Besides, with chest exercises and maybe a little surgical augmentation, they can be back on top. Otherwise, love 'em just as they are because even if no one else does, you'll always know that your little one sure did!

Sources:

BabyCenter.com. (2005).

Diet for a healthy breastfeeding mom. Retrieved

January 28, 2009 from http://www.babycenter.com/0_diet-for-a-healthy-

breastfeeding-mom_3565.bc?page=2

Bernstein, H. (n.d.).

Pediatrics Expert Advice from Henry Bernstein, M.D.

Retrieved January 26, 2009 from http://life.familyeducation.com/growth-

and-development/nursing/40563.html

La Leche League International (May 2008).

How do I heal sore nipples?

Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http://www.llli.org/FAQ/heal.html

La Leche League International (July 2006).

How Do I Wean My Baby?

Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http://www.llli.org/FAQ/weanhowto.html

M. Sheryl. (January 27, 2009). Interview. Millennium Obstetrics and

Gynecology