12 Self-Care Tips of the Weaning Mama

No matter how long your breastfeeding journey is, weaning can be a difficult process mentally, physically, and emotional as you continue to navigate this new motherhood chapter. 

They're are so many emotions at play, and it's really common to feel concerned about attachment and letting go into the next phase of life. 

Luckily, there are some things you can do to care for yourself and your little one as you shift into formula or solid foods.  

• Take care of your breasts. As you stop breastfeeding, you'll want to dry up breast milk fast to help reduce the discomfort of engorgement. Massaging CaboCreme, either regular or extra-strength, can help relieve your breasts with concentrated cabbage extract. 
  
• Set a goal. Once you decide to stop breastfeeding, set a goal and timeline. This will help you stick to your weaning schedule. Keep in mind why you're weaning, this can help you feel more resilient and at ease.
  
  
• Talk to your baby about the weaning process. Even though your little one may not fully understand why you're weaning them, talk to them, so they hear your comforting voice. This process may help you feel better emotionally as well.
  
  
• Reduce the feedings gradually. If you can, avoid abruptly stopping breastfeeding. Go slowly by reducing one nursing session at a time and replacing the feeding with a bottle or whole milk. Check in with a lactation consultant to create a schedule that feels most comfortable for you. 
  
  
• Change your routine. As you reduce the feedings, change the locations in the house where you would normally breastfeed them to ease the transition. You can also change the times you would routinely breastfeed your child. 
  
  
• Refuse sometimes. Choose a few feedings that you wish to keep and refuse the others. While entirely declining to breastfeed may confuse your child, it is okay to say no and start setting boundaries.
  
  
• Distract your baby. If your child fusses when you say no to breastfeeding,  try distracting them with a toy or bottle or another activity that creates connection. 
  
  
• Keep cuddling and snuggling. Snuggles, cuddles, and kisses always help the weaning process for you and your baby. If they reach for your breast, perhaps offer them a sip of water and let them know you're going to snuggle or rock to sleep tonight instead.  
  
  
• Relieve the pressure. Even if you're pumping your breast milk or hand expressing, your breasts may still feel full. When they feel full, do extra pumping for increased comfort (and be sure to use Cabo Creme - it can go a lot further - and it's so much more convenient - than frozen cabbage leaves.)
  
  
• Adjust to your changing hormones. Breastfeeding creates hormones such as oxytocin that bring a sense of euphoria to you. As these hormones decrease, you may feel sad at times. It's good to acknowledge your emotions and reach out to others to help you through the weaning process. 
  
  
• Stick with consistency. Even though weaning may offer you challenges, the more you stick to consistency in your new feeding routine, the smoother the process will be. 
  
  
• Keep a supply of frozen breast milk. If you need extra milk for your weaning child, keep a supply of your milk in the freezer. It's always good to have a back up plan, and you'll feel more relaxed in your transition. 
  

If you would like additional tips and emotional support while weaning your child, you're welcome to join CaboCreme's Instagram community. It's full of remarkable women and parents just like you.