The pain of stopping breastfeeding

The end of breastfeeding and the beginning of weaning and food diversification can lead to pain. What is the cause of this pain and how can it be relieved?

• First of all, weaning your baby should be done gradually, replacing feedings with bottles over several days. This allows your body to adapt to weaning.
• However, you may experience some pain due to milk flow and engorgement.
• You can massage the areola to relieve the pain without stimulating lactation.
• Ice packs or cold compresses can also temporarily relieve pain, tighten blood vessels and reduce milk production.
• If the pain is difficult to bear, use a breast pump to express a small amount of milk and not stimulate production.