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Home › Articles › Weaning › Weaning Issues for Breastfeeding Moms

Weaning Issues for Breastfeeding Moms

What is Happening to My Body?

By Lyn Mettler

Pages:  1  2  3  

While you're drying up, you may be wondering where the leftover milk goes. According to James, any remaining milk is reabsorbed into the body. Mystery solved.

Not Necessarily a Pretty Sight

Sorry gals, those full, nursing breasts are just a memory when you stop breastfeeding, and, in fact, you might be surprised at your newly-developed, non-nursing breasts. "When I was completely done nursing, I was totally shocked at how quickly my breasts sort of shriveled up and how lumpy they were as my milk completely dried up," says Ashlie Hand of Kansas City, Mo., a mother of two. "I remember joking that I looked like I did in seventh grade..."

Yes, it's true, according to James. Once you stop nursing, "breasts will undergo a process of involution or return toward non-lactating size and shape," she says. "Your breasts were forever changed by your first pregnancy. They will not return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape, whether you breastfed or not."

So head out and get a new supportive bra. I know I am no longer a fan of the one-hook, sheer lacy bras. I am now a proud wearer of multiple hook, underwire, slightly-padded, supportive bras, and, hey, no one is the wiser. Plus, it's just one of many small sacrifices moms make to do the best we can for our children – and it's all worth it, even those nasty old plugged ducts.

Managing Weaning Discomfort
  • Avoid breast stimulation.
  • Wear a supportive bra.
  • Take mild analgesics, i.e. Tylenol, as needed.
  • Pump or express milk if necessary to relieve discomfort, but don't empty the breast.
  • Wean gradually by dropping no more than one feeding a week.
  • Apply chilled cabbage leaves to the breast to relieve discomfort and discard after they become warm.


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