make less milk in response to reduced emptying. Other circumstances may require direct intervention such as a parent who is diagnosed with cancer and must undergo chemotherapy, one of few contrain­dications for ongoing breastfeeding. be desired for a parent to subdue milk production for mental health reasons or other family situations. In each case, praise the parents for their commit­ment to the baby. It can be emotional for them to discontinue breastfeeding, so emphasizing their gift can ease the transition. Discussions of partial feed­ing are also in order as low-level lactation, such as nursing only as a nighttime routine, is possible to accomplish without weaning altogether. Each dose of human milk is beneficial, and the ongoing close­ness in the parent-child routine can have long-last­ing benefits. Once it is determined that a parent who is producing significant volumes of milk will wean, the process is similar to how one would reduce an oversupply. Every woman’s body responds differ­ently to the process; it will involve close monitoring so the breast does not become congested, which can pose risk of mastitis. Increasing the duration between milk emptying and reducing the output will inhibit lactation. The key is to leave milk in the breasts so the body learns to reduce production. This can be temporarily uncomfortable. Wearing a tight-fitting bra, such as a sports bra, and com­pressing with ice reduces the likelihood of mastitis. Sometimes temporary use of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, is helpful if there is significant engorgement. example of a care plan to stop lactation is seen in Figure 10–6. If the weaning process relates to dis­continuing routines with a parent’s infant or toddler, creating new opportunities for bonding and comfort with a special stuffed animal, song, or other ritual can ease the child’s acceptance if ongoing nursing is not mutually desired.