Weaning or suppressing

There are many reasons why women decide not to breastfeed or to wean after a period of . The timing will be di rent for each and baby.

STOPPING YOUR After birth - ways to stop your breasts to adjust. It reduces the MILK SUPPLY your milk or reduce breast risk of engorgement, blocked ducts and . Colostrum (first milk) can be discomfort produced as early as 16 weeks into • A comfortable, supportive bra and • Drop one feed every few days. a pregnancy. Your body will produce breast pads may be useful. Replace this with milk from a milk even if you decide not to bottle or a cup. • Apply cold packs or chilled wash breastfeed. cloths on your breasts. Use • Express for comfort as necessary Suppression (stopping breastfeeding) for about 20 minutes before at this time, reducing this slowly. and/or weaning can cause di rent removing. Reapply as required. Watch for any signs of mastitis, feelings and emotions. These can be such as redness, pain or flu-like • Limit handling of your breasts. discussed with your Child and Family symptoms. If these occur, continue Health Nurse, your GP or Australian • Avoid heat by aiming the shower to express until resolved and Breastfeeding Association Counsellor. away from your breasts. contact a healthcare professional. Babies who are younger than 12 • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen • When breasts feel comfortable, months and are not breastfeeding as directed to relieve pain and drop another feed. need a suitable formula. discomfort. • Continue to drop feeds in this way, After 12 months, full-fat cow’s • If needed, express enough milk usually about one feed a week. milk can be given. ‘Follow on’ or to keep breasts comfortable • Use ideas from the After Birth toddler formulas are unnecessary. and avoid mastitis. This will not section of this leaflet for comfort. increase your supply because you WHEN TO WEAN? are not emptying your breasts. Partial weaning The World Health Organization This means that some breastfeeds recommends babies be given only Reducing or stopping are substituted with formula or breastmilk during their first six your milk cow’s milk or solids (depending on months, then introduce solid foods If you have been breastfeeding the baby’s age) and some continue. while still breastfeeding. They also and decide to wean, it is better to This may be useful if you return recommend that breastfeeding do it over several days or weeks to work as it allows your baby to continue for up to the age of two rather than suddenly. It is the safest continue receiving breastmilk and and beyond. method as it allows your baby and gives you and your baby some one- on-one time after being apart. WHAT IS WEANING? Weaning is the term often given to stopping or reducing breastfeeding and the introduction of formula or cow’s milk to babies/children. It is also a process where gradually introduce their babies to foods while continuing to breastfeed. Abrupt weaning Mastitis Leakage may occur for some This is the sudden ending time after the discomfort has This is a tender, inflamed area on of all breastfeeds and is not settled. the breast often accompanied by recommended. You should seek fever and joint aches and pains. the advice of your Child and Family Refer to the Mastitis leaflet and Health Nurse, GP or Australian Weaning a reluctant toddler contact your midwife, Child and Breastfeeding Association • When you decide to wean, try to Family Health Nurse, Lactation Counsellor if you find it is necessary. stick to your decision. Consultant, Australian Breastfeeding Association Counsellor or GP. • How to suppress if you have been fully pumping • Give drinks in a cup. instead of breastfeeding • Wear non-breastfeeding clothes. This is particularly important for any • Avoid sitting in usual mother who has been expressing breastfeeding positions. by pump for more than two weeks. • Plan outings or activities to distract Express just enough to keep your your toddler. breasts comfortable. Slowly reduce the time expressing. • Give extra cuddles and smiles. Medication is rarely used, and is only prescribed by a doctor in THINGS TO WATCH FOR exceptional circumstances. Engorgement If you are unsure about your This is when breasts become hard, particular situation, seek the red, shiny and painful. Should this guidance of a healthcare happen, expressing and emptying professional or an Australian breasts once can relieve the pain. Breastfeeding Association Continue to express just enough Counsellor. milk for comfort over several days.

Contacts • Your local Maternity Unit. • MotherSafe (Medications in Pregnancy & Lactation Service) Ph: (02) 9382 6539 or 1800 647 848 if outside the Sydney • Your Child and Family Health Centre. Metropolitan area. Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. • Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline • For a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Ph: 1800 686 268, 7 days a week, or visit www.lcanz.org/find-a-consultant.htm www.breastfeeding.asn.au • After-hours telephone advice lines are listed in your baby’s References Personal Health Record (Blue Book).

Eat for Health, NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines for Health Workers 2012. Australian Breastfeeding Association, Lactation Suppression 2010.

South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health Districts, 2018.