weaning my 6 month old

[kolson]

My 6 month old has decided that he is done with breastfeeding and prefers the bottle now. How do I go about this without being in horrible pain and really engorged?

[DHo]

Eventually the breasts will regulate themselves, adjusting to this new routine, in the meantime to relieve any engorgement you might try wearing cabbage leaves in the bra cup at least for a few hours at a time. A cold compress can also help with the pain of engorgement...however, don't apply the cold compress directly onto the skin, maybe using a washcloth as a barrier. Warm compresses will only stimulate the let down reflex and encourage more production. To help decrease milk supply you might also try wearing a snug fitting bra. Hope that helps, all the best, Dale

[kolson]

Should I pump at all, just to relieve the pressure?

[DHo]

If it is that much pressure, pump only enough to relieve the pressure, the concern would be pumping could also stimulate supply, so pump only enough to relieve that pressure.