BF to FF, Advice on my poor boobs?!

[Mariaa]

So im expressing atm for Nellie but i just dont like it. I really want to stop, to start with i feel like im kind of coping out and giving up because shes only 2 weeks old.

If i do decide to give up and go on to FF, (shes has a bit of FF now when shes still hungry after BF) shes using cow and gate 1, what happens to my boobs?

Wont they just fill UP and UP and UP and POP!!!!!

No, im joking, but seriously, what happens to them, when do they stop filling up? Will they be sore? What Happens?!?!!?

 

[bubbles123]

Hi. I expressed for 3 weeks so sort of about the same time as you. When I stopped they were sore for a few days and mine leaked a bit but your body will soon realise that it doesn't need to make milk any more and it'll stop. I was back to normal in a few days. Had a tiny bit of leakage for a week or two after but no pain X

 

[RainbowDrop_x]

I didn't breastfeed at all so I'm guessing it would be the same as when they fill after giving birth? I could be wrong but if it is the same then

*They WILL fill up
*They WILL hurt
*They WILL leak uncontrollably
*They WILL get hard

After I had Livia they swelled to 10x their normal size.It hurt to put tops on and take them off. Using a roll on was out of the question because the swelling went up my armpits. Sleeping was a nightmare. Couldn't sleep on my tummy. Sleeping on my back was agony and sleeping on my side had to be done akwardly.BUT.. It only lasted 3 days.

If you do decide to stop expressing then the best thing I can suggest which really worked for me is to wear a bra that fits but is tight. So like a sports bra or similar. Wrap them up really tight with a bandage on top of you'r'e bra and put fresh cabbage leaves IN you're bra. Some people said to me that something in cabbage leaf vains drys the milk up. I don't know how true that is but the coldness on engorged boobs was LOVELY. Also try not to touch them! It was really tempting to try and squeeze them a bit to relieve the pain but that just produces more milk thus making the process longer.

Good luck with which ever choice you make

 

[xxEMZxx]

I breastfed for 3 weeks then stopped. They went rock hard and hurt really bad for about 2 days and also leaked quite alot but after that they just went back to normal. I'm still getting a small amount of milk come out though (2 weeks later) but they only hurt a few days then went back to normal if not alot less firmer than before

 

[tinkerz23]

My lactation consultant recommended me to wean gradually. I was much more comfortable than just stopping. There is also greater risk of infection if you just stop. I would feed her as usual (in your case express), but replace one feeding from the breast (expressing session) with a bottle of formula. I chose to start with the second feed of the day, and every other day replace the next feeding as well. It really helped with engorgement. The last feedings to go were first thing in the morning and night feeds. Also avoid really hot showers until you are no longer having to express. Something about the hot water can cause leaking and could cause you to make more milk. I used cold ice packs if I ever was uncomfortable, but I heard the cabbage leaves do the trick. I was also told you can express if you are hurting, but only enough to give relief. I didn't do this unless I had a plugged milk duct. It took about a week and a half for LO to be totally weaned.

 

[Mariaa]

Theyre absolutely killing me today, ive been in bed pretty much all day, hot then cold, its hurting my back chest and tummy too, and ive got a headache. I guess ive just gotta stick it out for a few days until they go down!!!

 

[xxEMZxx]

if you've got a temperature and feel ill you may have mastitis?!? I had it before I stopped and was told it could come back if I stopped suddely, luckily it didnt but it sounds as if you could have infection if u got temp/headache..

 

[karamel]

Not sure if they have it where you are *as I'm not sure where you are* ; but in Canada they have pills that will help dry up the milk. If it becomes quite an issue, ask your doctor?

 

[Janiepops]

I gave up on Tuesday and went 'cold turkey' and now have mastitis My boobs are a mess! PLus I feel like I've got the flu, not fun!! Got antibiotics now so hopefully they'll help soon. I would definitely advise giving up gradually as this has been murder