It’s only right to classify pain after weaning as mental torture. Many moms can attest to the physical agony and emotional drain that comes with the transition. The situation intensifies when parents opt for abrupt weaning and do not give time to mentally and physically adjust.

The sudden changes may occur due to unpredictable situations or a mother’s decision. Sometimes, sudden weaning can produce unexpected results in infants, with some adapting fast or slowly to the new routine. Whatever the reason, it is wise to check what best suits your baby to ease the transition.

Weaning expectations

Naturally, baby weaning from the breast should gradually fit the mother and baby. The inevitable process prepares the infant for solid food and mom for breast milk reduction. It's a challenging journey that comes with breast numbness, mastitis, pain, stomach upset, and more. The mother will experience psychological and physical distress, especially on abrupt weaning.

Most mothers visualize a smooth, gradual, painless weaning. However, nature can be cruel, with some infants having to completely stop or partially halt breastfeeding. Parents should have leeway for changes within child development. One should be prepared for gradual and hasty weaning to have a soft landing.

Sudden weaning

Sudden weaning clearly suggests that something off the regular schedule has occurred, forcing the mother to take abrupt action. Few moms will consider the hasty weaning for mild reasons. Most causes are complex, unavoidable, and require quick action.

Sudden stop on breastfeeding comes with a bunch of problems. The act offers no chance for milk production reduction or introduction of new food for the baby. This creates tension in both mother and infant as the routine is quite foreign.

Why sudden weaning

'It's never easy, but it was compulsory' are some answers many mothers experiencing the hasty weaning stage give. With most reasons linking to medical situations, travel, or baby demise. It’s advisable to seek alternative options or consult an expert on your kind of situation. Mothers going through the phases are faced with some of the following issues:

• A medical diagnosis

Some medical diagnoses are life-threatening and require immediate action. Medical practitioners may request that a lactating mom suddenly stop breastfeeding due to health factors like cancer or chemotherapy treatment. This calls for a halt in lactating and opting for better weaning procedures.

• Medication

Besides the threatening illness, some drugs are not compatible with breast milk. Doctors may advise on weaning during the drug intake. Parents can consider alternatives like milk formula as they pump or hand press the milk out without feeding the baby to keep the flow, awaiting until it's safe. However, the pumping is only reasonable if the medication period is short. For lengthy medical treatment, lactation experts can offer better solutions to suit the baby’s schedule.

• Surgery or hospitalization

Illnesses are unpredictable and can escalate to hospitalization levels. A mom in a coma or dire situation has no choice but to introduce the infant to solid foods. However, admitted babies need breast milk to boost their immunity.

• Travel (business or work travel)

Traveling may sound lame, as lactating mothers can pump milk to keep the flow until they are back. However, long work deployment can prove challenging and result in early or sudden weaning.

• Pregnancy

New pregnancies always come with a shock and uncertainty. Most couples don't expect a newborn that soon. The experience isn't a major reason for sudden weaning, but it is advisable in some cases. Breastfeeding during pregnancy brings about uterine contractions, leaving the mother at risk of premature birth or miscarriage

Effects of hasty weaning on parents

The experience is different for every mother, but a level of similarity occurs, especially on physical and hormonal facts. The change has a draining effect on physical, emotional, and hormonal aspects. Some mothers take longer to adjust and may abort the mission before it's accomplished. However, permanent situations like demise and medical may force some parents to slide into depression or worse.

• Breast engorgement

The unimaginable pain and suffering that comes with the engorged breast is unbearable. The first days are pretty complicated, causing swelling, emotional and physical distress.

• Infections

Lack of milk flow easily causes plugged ducts and mastitis. This leads to a breast infection, which is rather painful.

• Menstruation flow

Due to hormonal imbalance, the woman's body may actively return to the period cycle. The possibility of a new pregnancy is relatively high if unchecked.

• Milk fever

Milk fever is a roller-coaster of multiple feelings, from flu, fever, chills, and general weakness. The symptoms are annoying and tamper with normal day activities.

Easy ways to cope with sudden weaning

Hasty weaning comes with depression-like feelings and confusion. However, parents can cope with the sudden procedure for easy emotional healing. Moms experiencing guilt, depression-like or pain can use several relievers, such as:

• Talking to family and friends

Expressing your feelings to your partner or friends offers relaxation and assurance. The interaction reduces emotional build-up and allows the mind to settle easily into the weaning idea. Mothers can also join groups or therapy sessions for support.

• Hand pressing/express

Expressing the milk to reduce the pressure and risk of breast infections is best action during first stages. You can create a daily schedule for gradual milk reduction. However, don’t express too much, as the body will produce more.

• Use supportive bra/ breast pads.

Mothers shifting from breastfeeding to weaning should have a good bra selection. Tight or high bras cause plugged ducts and muscle pain. Always seek a padded/ breast pad and a spacious bra to help contain the milk.

• Pain reliever

Getting some natural or artificial pain relief goes a long way to help in settling the body. A cold feeling from ice packs or cold cabbage leaves can do the trick, taking down the engorged breast. You can also visit your doctor for better medical advice on preferred drugs.

Conclusion

The sudden weaning is not something the mother or baby signed up for. The agony that precedes the process is excruciating but manageable. Parents can seek simple solutions to ease and create a normal routine for the mom and baby.