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No longer breast feeding

Shay - posted on 03/05/2009 ( 11 moms have responded )

I tried breastfeeding my little one and he never could conform my nipple to the shape needed for his little mouth. I even used a nipple shield until my nipples bled. I found a larger size of a shield and it made it a little easier, but still did not produce very satisfying results for either me or my son. I have still been pumping and feeding Hunter breast milk but it's become more a hassle to remember to pump after every feeding. I've decided to stop pumping and let my milk dry up. It's as painful as people have reported to me...anyone have any suggestions on going through this process with less pain? Thanks so much!

Shay

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Desiree - posted on 03/17/2009

I was in an INCREDIBLE amount of pain but then got a prescription for dr. newman's nipple cream -- it's such a life saver.

Kat - posted on 03/09/2009

259

you're lucky! mine have gone from a 34d prepregnancy to a 40b after #5. :(

Shay - posted on 03/09/2009

Thanks everyone! My milk finally did dry up and I'm no longer in pain. It's a little sad that my boobs aren't as big as they were before, but fortunately, I'm still bigger than I was before I got pregnant!

Angela - posted on 03/09/2009

I was really suprised how much the cabbage really helped. I had to stop and formula feed my baby too. I used some tylenol to help with some of the pain too. I was feeling much better after 6 days. And now it is awesome not to have the pain of breastfeeding hanging over my head. We bond much better with the bottle and my husband has a chance to do that too. Good Luck....it does get better

Kat - posted on 03/09/2009

259

I was in so much pain from this that when I went to the grocery store to get cabbage..I couldn't wait until I got home and hid in the aisle and stuffed some leaves in my bra!!!

that's hilarious! and i can identify all too well with that pain.

Sarah - posted on 03/08/2009

I was in so much pain from this that when I went to the grocery store to get cabbage..I couldn't wait until I got home and hid in the aisle and stuffed some leaves in my bra!!! ahhahahaa..I can't believe I did that now. If you do it gradually...this doesn't happen as bad..I did it cold turkey and it wasn't fun!!!

Jessica - posted on 03/07/2009

I had the same issues with breast feeding my daughter and I could not make it work for us. I used cold compresses and a good bra. Also you need to (as much as possible) stop the nipple stimulation, even the shower. You will leak for a while this process takes several days.

Shay - posted on 03/06/2009

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

Kat - posted on 03/06/2009

259

I had to stop nursing a few weeks ago, too. The cabbage leaves are good. Also, eating certain herbs helps. I used a lot of sage and oregano in our meals for a few days, and I dried up quicker this time than ever before. Don't wrap your breasts, as this could cause plugged ducts or even lead to mastitis. Another thing that helps is to let a warm shower run over your chest to ease a little of the pressure. Good luck and God bless!

Tricia - posted on 03/06/2009

357

The best way to decrease yoyr milk supply is to do it gradually. So, if you must stop pumping, cut out one time of pumping each day. Follow the same schedule you use for introducing formula in place of breastfeeding.