So you've been breastfeeding for about eight months, maybe longer and baby's teeth have come in. Ouch! That and the fact that you may have had to go back to work and conditions don't allow for optimal pumping added to the fact that baby doesn't seem as interested may lead to the eventual decision to start weaning.
"But how do I turn them off?" Good, question. It's something I wondered with my first as well. Weaning is done very gradually, the slower the better for both mom and baby. It is somewhat of a challenge and at one point or another you'll probably be sore- especially if you have to work and are only allowed to pump one time. There are things you can do to ease the discomforts though, here are some tips:
First, as I've said before, start the process gradually. Ideally nurse or pump like one less time per day and over time, your breasts will produce less to match the demand. If you have to work or go away, you'll probably want to bring a pump along in case you can't make it that long and need to let off some pressure. Having breasts too full is a very very uncomfortable feeling and can even be painful. You must make sure you're nursing or pumping less, yet not too sparingly as you could develop a clogged duct, mastitis or even milk fever.
Weaning simply has to be done gradrually and never cold turkey. Simply wanting them to shut off will not make you stop lactatating. Also it is way better for your baby's digestive system to introduce new foods or to take away a food slower, giving them time to adjust. Suddenly taking a baby off breast milk could give them digestive upset and they may not want formula or cereals right away.
So how do you know when to start weaning? I knew it was time when my son no longer seemed interested. When I put him up to feed he would pull off, look around or giggle, not to mention those teeth! There is nothing more shocking or painful than when your little one clamps down on your nipple with those newly cut chompers...OW! My son happened to be eight months old at the time and was well-started on both formula and cereals and fruits/vegetables so I felt fine weaning. I was also back to work full-time and my boss only allowed me to pump on my lunch which was 1/2 an hour. Due to the fact that my supply had gone down anyway and that my son didn't seem really into nursing anymore, I decided to shut down the dairy, gradually that is.