QUESTION: I would like to wean my son off breastfeeding...I'm headed back to work in 2 weeks and don't want to be bothered with breastfeeding anymore. How fast can I safely wean him off so I don't develop any problems such as mastitis, plugged ducts, or intense pain? Is it safe to wean one feeding a day--or is that too fast? How safe is the mini pill when you start weaning? What are the chances I could become pregnant again if no other protection is used until I start the combined birth control pill?

Kristin,

It really sounds like breastfeeding has been a very frustrating experience for you!! Weaning a 7 week old is a tough decision especially since you have already been through the worst part of getting started!! Having a baby is difficult for new mothers regardless of how we feed our babies and many mothers who have done both found that breastfeeding was easier.

Whatever your reason for wanting to wean Ryan, please give it some thought since the benefits for you to continue breastfeeding are good for both you and, most importantly, Ryan. If you are experiencing breastfeeding problems, please remember that there is help out there for you and that you do not have to struggle alone. Consider if there are any allergies in either your family or your partner's/husband's family before making the final decision to stop breastfeeding. Consider also the cost of formula feeding in addition to the expense of day care (it can cost up to $2,000 a year!).

Kristin, since you are returning to work in two weeks you may have enough time to gradually wean Ryan and at the same time watch for signs to any allergic reactions to formula. This will also give you enough time so that you can avoid engorgement as you slowly reduce your milk production. Slow weaning also allows the immunity level in your breast milk to increase and will give Ryan some extra protection against infection. The process of weaning involves simply substituting else for each nursing and watching for any physical or emotional reactions in Ryan or yourself. One way is to begin weaning by replacing a day or evening nursing with a formula feeding. If you observe no reactions to the formula, and if your breasts are tolerating the decrease, after a few days or weeks you can replace a second nursing and so on.

Another way to begin weaning is by nursing or expressing just enough milk to keep you comfortable since letting your breast remain full will allow substances in the milk (suppressor peptides) to inhibit further milk production. You will need to wear a supportive bra and maybe even a milk pain reliever. You can also decrease the discomfort and swelling of engorgement by using ice packs over your breasts or by wearing green cabbage leaves inside your bra (remember to change them periodically with fresh-chilled ones from the refrigerator). Many mothers have also found it helpful to drink sage tea to decrease their milk supply by steeping 1 ½ teaspoons dry sage leaves in a pint of boiling water for ten minutes and drink as many as three cups a day for no longer than a week.

You can also wean quickly by feeding formula exclusively for several days and maintain your milk supply by pumping during this time while you watch Ryan's tolerance to formula and, if there is no reaction you can continue with the above plan.

A baby who can't tolerate her formula will show any or all of these symptoms: bouts of crying, a lot of gas, increased spitting up or vomiting, body rashes, redness around the rectum, and frequent watery stools that may be green, mucousy, or bloody soy formula typically produce pale-green, semi-formed stools) Wheezing and a stuffy or runny nose can also be allergic responses to formula.

Kristin, remember also that your breast may also feel full and lumpy for 5-10 days after complete weaning and unless you experience any mastitis symptoms, this should be no cause for concern. Ideally the pace of weaning occurs slowly enough to avoid causing an unhappy, clingy baby or full uncomfortable breasts. As soon as you start the weaning process you will need to begin some form of birth control and since your desire is to wean, either birth control pill will be okay since they may decrease your milk supply. Good luck.

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC

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