Just stopped breastfeeding, need some relief

Pia - posted on 05/26/2009

i suffered excruciating pain when i stopped ;i didn't expected but the cold cabbage leaves were a gift from heaven!!! 3 days i had them in my bra and i didn't even need to express milk( i had milk supplu for 10 babies, not 1) try it good luck xx

Carlita - posted on 05/25/2009

Quoting Sheree:

might sound strange but cold cabbage leaves from the fridge are supposed to decrease milk supply and offer some relief

I heard of that, it does work wonders! Cabbage is not only helpful but delicious! LETTUCE YOU WILL NEVER BE CABBAGE NEEVVVERR! XD LOL

Tamara - posted on 05/25/2009

Quoting Portia:

Well, thank you everyone for the advice. I'll just go get the cabbage, cause my son stopped cold turkey by himself, and the pumping doesn't work for me anymore. I'm already in a size "F", ( yes, you heard me right) and the manual nor automatic can measure up to the suction of my son. Going to the store tomorrow. will keep everyone posted.

Ok, at 5 months, this isn't weaning, this is a nursing strike.  These happen.  Don't give up just yet.  There is plenty you can do to woo your little guy back to the breast.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby...

The two tips below are my favorite and helped me through the few times my DD went on strike.

Offer the breast often. Try breastfeeding in baby's favorite place, in his favorite position, in the bath, while walking around, while lying down, with baby upright, baby flat on his back, in his sleep, just as he is waking, any time baby looks as if he might be interested, or any other way you can think of, i.e. any time, anywhere.



Avoid pressuring baby to nurse. Offer in an ultra-casual way and pretend you don't mind if he refuses (easier said than done, but try not to show any frustration - your aim is to avoid pressuring baby to nurse). Don't hold the back of baby's head or push or hold baby to the breast. If baby pulls off the breast, then don't try to make him go back onto the breast at that time - simply try again later. If baby seems frustrated with your offering the breast, then turn the pressure down and simply make the breast available (lots of skin-to-skin!) without offering. It can be helpful to have lots of skin-to-skin time with baby where he is cuddled at the breast with no pressure to nurse - give control over to your baby, so that baby decides if and when to nurse and when to stop nursing.

Tamara - posted on 05/25/2009

If I may ask, why are you wanting to wean now?

Portia - posted on 05/25/2009

Well, thank you everyone for the advice. I'll just go get the cabbage, cause my son stopped cold turkey by himself, and the pumping doesn't work for me anymore. I'm already in a size "F", ( yes, you heard me right) and the manual nor automatic can measure up to the suction of my son. Going to the store tomorrow. will keep everyone posted.

Portia - posted on 05/25/2009

My son actually stopped on his on. So I am cold turkey.

Erin - posted on 05/25/2009

I weaned my daughter gradually so didn't actually have this problem, but my friend had to stop abruptly and put frozen nappies inside her bra for relief. She simply soaked 2 nappies in water then put them in the freezer (obviously take them out before they go rock hard). Also, avoid hot showers as this stimulated milk production.

Lindsey - posted on 05/25/2009

try cold flannels this was a wonderful relief for me also savoy cabbage leaves they put all the nutrients back and heal the nipples keep them in the fridge x

Mel - posted on 05/25/2009

get an electric and express! mine were so sore when i stopped and heavy i was in tears i went to the pharmacy at 11pm at night anf got one xpress enough for a bottle then gradually reduce the amount you are expressing til your milk dries up. Do 3 quarters of a bottle then half for a few days etc. as soon as i got the breast pump i was no longer in pain

Rachael - posted on 05/25/2009

the cabbage worked with both of my children. good luck hope this helped

Rachael - posted on 05/25/2009

i know this sounds silly but get your self a cabbage from the super market and put one of the leaves over each breast then put your bra back on to hold it in place. change the leaves each hour you'll be right in 24 hours and by the end of the week you wont have much milk left at all.

Shelonda - posted on 05/25/2009

you may want to use a breast pump to pump a little relief at a time, because the more you pump the more will flow into them. But for some immediate relief, you could allow the pump to work. I weaned my daughter over a period of time and mine gradually slowed the production. Like a couple of months period or more. I would give morning and night, missing lunch, then I would slowly take away middle snack times, then perhaps morning and then gradually altogether. Just stopping cold turkey somewhat is painful to full breasts for me it was, anyways. Good luck sis.

Sara - posted on 05/24/2009

I used some gel pads that stayed cold. My doctor gave them to me. I can't remember what they were called. But they were sticky and gel and cold on one side and the other side was a material. They really helped the pain. They are also reusable. You can wear them right under your bra. It was heaven when my breasts were swollen and sore. I'm pretty sure you can buy them in a pharmacy.

Crystal - posted on 05/24/2009

I feel for you! Benadryl helped dry me up after finishing with #3! With my first 2 kids I leaked for a year after quitting! With my 3rd - using Benadryl for an allergic reaction - I was dry by the end of a month!

Also, be sure to beware of mastitis/breast infection. If you need to, express just enough to keep the breast from getting infected. Too much and you'll just prolong the production.

LaLeche League may also have some helpful ideas. http://www.llli.org/

Rebecca - posted on 05/24/2009

Being on the full pill can dry your milk supply up, so if you're not on it maybe that's worth a try?

Gaby - posted on 05/24/2009

I am going through the same thing. Are you quitting cold turkey or have you been slowly cutting down? I have gradually been cutting down and I am down to pumping just once day. It is not too bad. Good luck to you!

Sheree - posted on 05/24/2009

might sound strange but cold cabbage leaves from the fridge are supposed to decrease milk supply and offer some relief

Penny - posted on 05/24/2009

Time is the main thing you can do. As much as it sucks just time you have to just let them dry up. I put a heating pad on my chest and sometimes so cold ice packs to reduce that swelling. Other than that it is good ole mother nature..