Just like when you were first getting the hang of breastfeeding, the journey into weaning from breastfeeding also brings with it problems, especially when weaning is being done abruptly. This article will talk about the 5 most common problems moms encounter as they wean their babies from breastfeeding.
Engorgement
This happens because your body is producing and storing more milk than what your baby is drinking. If you skip a feeding, towards your next feeding, you’ll notice that your breasts will feel full, hard and uncomfortable, even painful.
The best way to relieve engorgement is to breastfeed or to express a little milk. If you are trying to stop breastfeeding, then you should express only as much as you need to feel comfortable, but do not empty the breast. Emptying the breast will signal to your body to produce more milk.
One way to soothe pain from engorgement is to put chilled cabbage leaves on your breasts. You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking pain relievers and low-dose birth control pills to help with engorgement.
Plugged Ducts
This happens when some milk calcifies and blocks the milk ducts, so the milk from those plugged ducts cannot get out. The area where the clog is found is usually hard to the touch, swollen and sometimes, even reddish. This is common among moms who are weaning because the breasts are not being emptied of milk as often and as much as before.
The best way to relieve plugged ducts is to empty the breasts. If you are not breastfeeding, you may want to consider expressing milk. Massage the area frequently and firmly. Placing a warm compress over the affected area while expressing or breastfeeding also helps.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection that requires medical attention. In some cases, it may be accompanied by fever. This happens when germs from your baby’s mouse, nose or throat enters the milk ducts through fissures and openings in your breast. It may also happen when plugged ducts are not immediately resolved.
When weaning, mastitis will usually need some medical intervention in order to be resolved because you are not emptying your breast as often and as completely as before. You doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. You will also need to rest and to eat well to boost your resistance.
Nipple Confusion
When baby is used to being breastfed by you, they may initially refuse to feed from a bottle. This is called nipple confusion.
Some moms address nipple confusion by making sure that the things that are associated with breastfeeding are taken out when the bottle is being introduced. For example, instead of feeding in the place where you would normally breastfeed your baby, feed the bottle in a different area of the house. Or if your baby is used to being breastfed by you, you might want to try having somebody else give the bottle. That way, the baby isn’t confused by your presence and insist on breastfeeding.
The most important thing to note is that drinking from the bottle is different from breastfeeding. Your baby needs time to adjust and to learn this new way of feeding. So if your baby doesn’t immediately take to breastfeeding, don’t worry. With a little coaxing, they’ll be able to learn it eventually.
Allergies
When babies are being switched from breast milk to formula, and even to solid foods, allergies may occur. This is because, unlike your breast milk which is the perfect food for your baby, your baby’s body may not be able to tolerate some of the components of formula and some solid food.
This is why it is always best to check with your doctor to find out what alternatives you should give your baby when you decide to wean them from breastfeeding. Keep a close eye on your baby whenever new food is tried. When trying new food, it pays to introduce 1 kind of food at a time, over a period of 3 to 5 days so that you can be certain that your baby is not allergic to that kind of food. Only when you are certain that they will not cause allergies to your baby should you combine foods to give to your baby.
Weaning isn’t as simple as just stopping breastfeeding. To know more about how our bodies work and how to wean gently and safely, I recommend Wendi Blaire's “Hello Milk, Bye-Bye Milk: An Expert Mom's Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding and Weaning”. Her book deals extensively with the problems moms might encounter during the weaning process, and includes a host of expert tips and advice on how to go through this phase with the least amount of discomfort and pain for you and your baby.
You can learn more about her book here: Hello Milk, Bye-Bye Milk
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