How many days does it take for breasts to become soft after weaning?

After stopping breastfeeding, women need some time to wean, which is called weaning. This time varies from person to person. Some people may be able to wean in just a few days, while others may need relatively longer time. The weaning period is a painful adaptation process for both mothers and babies. Many mothers are concerned about how many days it will take for their swollen and painful breasts to become soft again after weaning. Let’s take a look at it below.

1. How many days after weaning can the breasts become soft?

2. Weaning Methods

1. Natural weaning

(1) Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding times: If mothers do not have too much milk, they can choose to reduce the number of breastfeeding times little by little.

(2) Lengthen the time interval between feedings: Gradually lengthen the time interval between each feeding to allow the baby to adapt slowly, and the breasts to adapt slowly, thereby slowly reducing the secretion of milk.

(3) Shorten the time of a single feeding: Do not feed your baby for too long each time, and shorten it gradually.

(4) Wear tighter clothes: When weaning, mothers can discard loose clothes and wear tighter clothes and underwear.

2. Artificial weaning

Although artificial weaning is not the best method, if the mother needs to wean her baby because she has not breastfed for 10 months due to various diseases or special reasons, and if natural weaning methods do not work, the mother can consider artificial weaning.

1) Oral or external use of Chinese herbal medicine for weaning: such as 120g of roasted malt, boiled in water, and taken warm in 3 doses; or drink 1 bowl of soy milk with a little white sugar.

2) Find a lactation consultant: When your milk is coming in, find a lactation consultant. When your milk is weaning, you can also find a professional lactation consultant to perform professional massage to help with the weaning.

4) You can use a towel to dip in water, add salt to the water, cover your breasts with it, and give a gentle massage. However, if the swelling and pain still occur after 6-7 days, or if a fever occurs, you need to seek medical attention promptly and receive anti-inflammatory treatment, and try not to discharge milk. You can boil some malt water and drink it, which can help to reduce milk production.

3. Weaning precautions

1. If your breasts are uncomfortable with swelling, you can squeeze out the milk, but don't squeeze it out completely, otherwise it will promote milk secretion and have the opposite effect.

2. During weaning, pay attention to reducing stimulation to the breasts and nipples. The secretion of prolactin will decrease accordingly, and the secretion of milk will gradually decrease. Never let your baby suck your breast milk or touch it, and avoid using hot water to rinse your breasts when taking a shower.

3. You can use ice packs to cool your breasts to relieve the feeling of swelling. If you find a lump in your breast, rub it with your hands in time to prevent mastitis.

4. Avoid eating foods that promote milk secretion, such as peanuts, pig's trotters, crucian carp, soups, etc. Eat less protein-rich foods, which can reduce milk secretion. During the weaning period, you should also pay attention to reducing the water intake in your diet.