I just stopped nursing my 10 month old son because he kept biting me and I was getting recurrent mastitis. Thought I'd nurse a lot longer but we're both ready. I didn't have any leaking or breast discomfort for a few days so I sold my breast pump on craig's list but now I'm leaking and pretty uncomfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can help my milk supply to dry up or does it just take time?
Thanks everyone. The cabbage leaves really do work! My husband laughed at me because I found these little cabbages so the leaves would fit me better :-) Also the warm showers with a little hand expressing is helpful too. It's only one side that's bothering me a little. Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my question!
My experience is it just takes time. I took over the counter pain meds for relief and that seemed to work for me.
Good luck.
J., I had to wean cold-turkey - my daughter bit and broke skin and I couldn't even pump without pain. I hand-expressed as necessary to ease the pain. Only express what you need to, not all of what's stored up.
DEAR J.,
I ENDED UP JUST CUTTING BACK MY PUMPING SESSIONS (MY DAUGHTER WAS GIVEN ONLY BREASTMILK FOR 15 MONTHS FROM A BOTTLE) SHE WAS BORN 3 MONTHS PRE MATURE SO i NEVER WAS ABLE TO HAVE HER ONLY BREASTFED--BUT SHE DID GET ONLY BREAST MILK THANKS TO THE PUMP. THE EASIEST WAY I FOUND WAS TO WEAR VERY TIGHT SPORTSBRAS--YES THAT WAS (2) & THEN RELIEVE MYSELF OF ANY ENGORGEMENT IN A VERY HOT SHOWER WITH YOUR HANDS. iT WAS PRETTY UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE BEGINNING---IT TOOK ABOUT 2 1/2 WEEKS UNTIL i DIDNT FEEL THAT FULL FEELING. GOOD LUCK!
A.
J.:
hand express to comfort..... green cabbage and sage tea.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
mine just dried up. I have 3 pumps if you want to borrow one to just pump a tiny bit to ease the transition but likely by the time you get answers from mamasource you will be feeling better. But email me if you want a pump.
cabbage helps, put one cold leaf in your bra. suddafed also helps dry you up
I recently weaned and cabbage helped significantly.
It will probably just take a few days to dry up. Try a warm shower if it really hurts.
I've also heard that applying cabbage leaves helps, although I've never tried it myself--although I do know you should use green cabbage, because red cabbage will turn your boobs purple!
