weaning tips

mzsparklepdx

I'm going back to work in 8 weeks ( ) and after much soul searching and struggle, I plan to wean off BF/pumping before I go back.  I tried reading in the Nursing Woman's Companion about weaning but it's very condescending and guilt trip-inducing and they don't even talk about anything other than weaning a toddler.

So any tips to make this as comfortable as possible?  How far ahead should I start?  Can I still nurse first thing in the morning and at bedtime, but cut out the rest during the day and night?  Tips for pain?  TIA

Callidryas

I would start giving formula during the hours you are going to be at work, slowly introducing one bottle at a time.  So - say she needs to eat at 9am and you would normally be at work during that time - feed her formula (and do not pump). Then in a week add the next feeding, until she is on all formula and you are weened too, needing less and less BM each week.  I don't see why you couldn't BF each morning and at bedtime, it might be good for bonding since you will be out of the house.  I would start now, that gives you 8 weeks to replace 6-8 feedings assuming you feed every 3 hours.

Maybe alternate feeding times when you add them, so week 1 is 9am week 2 is 9 and 3  pump at 12, then week 3 do 9, 3 and 12.  Week 4 9, 12, 3, 6. then you should be good for a work day without engorgement.  I could be wrong, but this is what I would try. 

pinkflipflops44

Yeah do it slowly like previous poster suggested. I read somewhere (very accurate i know) to not do two formula feedings back to back but do a breast/formula pattern as you wean, like suggested above. And as long as nursing morning and night is comfortable and you are producing it, it should be fine.  But slow and easy weaning will be best.  Talk to an LC as well, they will have ideas.

mzsparklepdx

I should clarify that LO is already primarily FF since my supply has never amounted to much.  So far, I'm trying to stretch out the interval between when I pump or BF.  I'm just wondering if anyone who has already been through this has any tips to decrease the pain that is probably inevitable with this process.