As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) you will be helping parents in all stages of lactation. Sometimes that includes helping clients wean and stop breastfeeding. We cannot provide medical advice, but we can provide education and information about weaning.
Whatever the reason a parent is choosing to wean, and at whatever age, you can assist them in making a healthy transition. There are a variety of reasons a parent may choose to wean. It is important we provide non-judgmental support and education.
Here are ways to help clients wean and stop breastfeeding (or pumping):
Help Them Understand Their Options – Do They Truly Want to Wean?
Parents may seek out a lactation professional for assistance in weaning for a variety of reasons. Perhaps breastfeeding is different than what they expected. Maybe they’ve been told to wean due to medical reasons. Perhaps their child is older, their work hours are difficult, or they are simply done with the journey.
However, as a CBC you can help them navigate options if they are unsure. You are not there to help them change their minds. You are, however, there to help them make informed decisions. Answer any questions or concerns they may have. Refer them to the appropriate resources. However they need support, be sure to provide empathetic understanding.
Choosing to wean can be an easy decision for some. For others it is an emotionally challenging choice.
If they’ve been told to wean to take medication, you can provide them with information such as the Infant Risk Center. We cannot advise on the safety of medication during lactation, but we can refer them to a place that can.
Aid Them In Calculating How Long They Have Until Weaning
Depending on their reason for weaning, they may have lots of time for a gradual experience. In some cases, they may need to wean quickly.
Should the client have lots of time to wean, a gradual approach is often safest for her. Abrupt weaning can increase the risk of blocked ducts, mastitis, etc.
Help Clients Wean By Reducing Feeding/Pumping Sessions
The easiest way to wean is by gradually reducing breastfeeding or pumping sessions. Dropping one session per day every few days can reduce the risk of discomfort, pain, and mastitis.
For those who are pumping, they can also reduce the time at each pumping session.
Breast milk is a supply demand process. By reducing the demand, the supply will gradually lessen.
Educate Clients About Blocked Ducts, Engorgement, Mastitis, etc.
Abrupt weaning can cause painful breast. Encourage clients to wean slowly whenever possible. Cool compresses around the time of the dropped feed can help with inflammation. When they are nursing or pumping the can gently massage their breasts where they feel any clogged ducts.
Some people find using sunflower lecithin and other supplements helpful in reducing clogged ducts. You can educate clients about this option while always redirecting them to their healthcare provider to they confirm use.
Remind Clients That Breastfeeding and Weaning Impact Hormones
Some parents are surprised how emotional they can feel during weaning. This is a two-fold process. Breastfeeding in and of itself can be emotional, tied to bonding, and something which they feel strongly about. Breastfeeding also impacts hormones.
Helping clients to be aware of and normalize strong emotions can make the weaning process easier for clients. Remind clients that while breastfeeding can be part of bonding, one can bond beautifully after weaning.
Let Clients Know That Weaning Is Not Forever
In the early days and weeks of weaning it can feel like a never-ending process. Just as initiating breastfeeding can take time, weaning takes time.
The discomfort, leaking, and emotions do not last forever. Milk does eventually dry up and the weaning process will eventually come to an end.
How To Help Clients Wean Quickly
As mentioned above, weaning is best done gradually. However, there are some instances which require quick weaning. Whatever the reasoning, it can be painful and uncomfortable depending on how much milk they are producing.
If a client needs to wean abruptly, they may find the following beneficial:
- Simply stop all milk removal
- Use pain medication as needed
- Express only for discomfort (e.g. slight hand expression)
- Keep an eye on clogged ducts, severe pain, and any signs of mastitis
If your client is at all worried, advise them to reach out to their healthcare provider for mastitis treatment. Part of supporting our clients in all stages of lactation is also supporting them through the weaning process.