Starting on day 3...

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

It has been around 50 hours since LO nursed. He asks for it, then just holds it in his mouth. I hand expressed some milk last night, today I have been doing cold compresses. The girls have filled back up, naturally. He just refuses to nurse. I am prone to clogged ducts, but he just abruptly stopped. Will I get an infection? Are there other things I can do for relief?

[@llli*mommal]

Infection is not a sure thing, but if you're prone to clogged ducts or infections this is definitely a time to be extra vigilant about them. Don't be afraid to remove milk. If you drain the breast really thoroughly, you'll keep production high. If you remove a small amount- enough to restore comfort- your supply will still decrease, albeit a little more slowly than if you simply put up with the fullness.

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

The fullness hurts. A friend also told me to remove just enough to feel comfortable. Thanks *mommal.

[@llli*mommal]

If you hurt, definitely remove some milk! And try sticking some cold, cracked cabbage leaves in your bra to reduce engorgement. It really does work.

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

Awesome... ok. Thanks!

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

The cabbage leaves feel great! LO thought he would help mommy express today, he was touching my skin saying "booboob". He put his mouth on it, but nothing else. I guess he's just ready to be done with it. And I am ok with this. Thanks for all the info *mommal.

[@llli*still.here]

Yup, the cabbage leaves work like a charm at drying up your milk. If you put them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so and then crunch them up a little it really helps with the pain, too.

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

Well, he nursed at bedtime last night. I am ok with this, because I was having the "down" symptom. It made me feel a lot better, and I didnt have to express. I dont know if it was a set back, but he hasnt asked for it this morning. I figure that if we only do a nighttime feeding, it will be easier.

[@llli*mommal]

Just do your best to stay patient and flexible. Weaning can be funny. I remember nursing my older daughter several times after I thought she had completely weaned. I think allowing her to nurse- even after a few weeks had passed since she had last done so- helped her to trust that I would meet her needs even as she transitioned away from needing the breast. And it was really minimal nursing- just a minute or two here and there.

[@llli*jayvidsmommy2011]

I think that this way is best. I was so down last night, and I think he sensed that. It took him a minute, but he nursed and went to sleep after he stopped. He also nursed this afternoon for a few minutes, but didnt go to slep. Hes napping now, but I only had to rock him and pat his bottom. I think we will do just fine, and this will be a gradual weaning instead of abrupt. I assume he was on a nursing strike due to a severe sore throat and teething. Yay us!