Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Breastfeeding for over 10 months, planning to wean, but the milk supply is very abundant, and the breasts are extremely large. Before pregnancy, they were a size F cup, and they became even larger during breastfeeding. Sometimes, the breasts become very engorged every 4 to 5 hours. If I wean, I am worried that not feeding for a long time may lead to milk stagnation and result in mastitis. Please advise on how to prevent this and how to reduce the severe pain during weaning.Additional question: 1. Does a single injection provide immediate relief? Since weaning will definitely cause pain so severe that I won’t be able to walk.
2. Can drinking soy milk also help with weaning? If it works, I’d be very willing to try this method, but I’m unsure about the dosage. I usually drink one...
Doctor's answer:
Hello: There are mainly two methods of weaning – natural weaning and artificial weaning. Generally speaking, those who wean normally after breastfeeding for 10 months to 1 year can often use the natural weaning method. However, those who wean due to various illnesses or special reasons before breastfeeding for 10 months are more likely to use the artificial weaning method. Additionally, during normal weaning, if milk production is excessive and natural weaning is not effective, the artificial weaning method can also be used.（1）Natural weaning involves gradually reducing the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, while also limiting the intake of broth and milk-stimulating foods to gradually decrease milk production until it ceases entirely.
（2）Artificial weaning involves using various drugs to reduce milk production. Estrogen drugs can be taken orally or injected intramuscularly, such as ethinyl estradiol (5mg per dose, 3 times daily, for 3–5 days) or intramuscularly injected estradiol benzoate (2mg per dose, 2 times daily, for 3–5 days). Chinese herbal weaning medications taken orally or externally can also be effective, such as:
- Boiling 120g of roasted malt in water, dividing it into 3 doses, and drinking it warm.
- Drinking a bowl of soy milk with a small amount of white sugar added.
- First expressing milk, then placing 50–60g of sodium nitrate in a gauze bag and applying it externally to the breasts. Replace it promptly once it becomes damp, doing so 3–4 times daily.