this is for the mummys who have switched from bf to ff

[mum2beagain]

hi all i bf my ds for the first 2 weeks ive now switched him to ff but was wondering how long beofre the pain in my boobs go they are so swollen and heavy im litrally in tears typing this just hoping there is a light at the end of the tunnell when stopping bf

 

[lauram22]

Aw poor u Hun I bf for about 4 weeks but also expressed, I found that even when I switched to formula I expressed the minimum amount to relieve the pain each day after about 4 days there was no pain. You could try hand expressing or I've heard cold cabbage leaves in your bra help xx

 

[littleblonde]

I BF for 3 weeks. What i did although not sure if right. Was i expressed some off everyday. To start with i think was every 8 hours but then i went longer and longer. Within about 5 days i was pain free. But also heard you can try cold cabbage leaves.

 

[Louise N]

I switched to FF when LO was 3 weeks old. I expressed for a few days about 60ml 3x a day (for the first day I was really, really uncomfortable) but that soon eased and I think i'd practically dried up by about the 4th day!

 

[Janiepops]

I was like you. I went cold turkey after BF for 3 weeks and it was unbearable! The first day was the worst, leaking like mad and so sore! Day 2 wasn't so bad but I developed mastitis and one whole side of my right boob was scarlet and throbbing. Had to get antibiotics from the GP....who recommended expressing just enough off to relieve them. I found instead of doing that, sitting in a very warm bath and just letting them drain into it helped LOADS. And then cold cabbage leaves in my bra was wonderful, it definitely helps too.
It's now day 4 and they're pretty much back to normal, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take plenty paracetamol and ibuprofen to try ease the pain, although you may find it doesn't touch it just now unfortunately.
Hope you feel better soon xx

 

[Laucu]

Urgh it's awful isn't it I BF for 3 months and when I switched to FF, I dropped one feed every 3/4/5 days. After I dropped the last feed my boobs were still sore. I found that expressing just enough to relieve the 'exploding balloon' sensation worked.

Hope you feel better soon!

 

[tinkerz23]

I also bf for 3 months and did the same thing as Laucu. I gradually switched her from BF to FF by dropping a feed every 2 to 3 days. It really helped with engorgement. The last feedings to go were at night and in the morning as these were the times I was the fullest. I also found that cold ice packs helped to relieve the pain in addition to expressing just enough to bring some relief. Just keep in mind the more you express, the more you make. I think it took about 2 days after I eliminated all feedings to feel better. Good luck.

 

[mum2beagain]

thanks all its day 3 today and there much better than they were but i have a lump on my areola like the little bumps u have any way but this is maybe 3 times the size of them and very painfull to touch do u think this coukld be a blocked duct xx

 

[broodylocket]

i graduly went onto ff within a week, ethan was 10 weeks and i havent had any pain with them...and hes now comin up to 14 weeks xx hope ur pain goes around soon

 

[tinkerz23]

thanks all its day 3 today and there much better than they were but i have a lump on my areola like the little bumps u have any way but this is maybe 3 times the size of them and very painfull to touch do u think this coukld be a blocked duct xx

It sounds like it could be a blocked duct. I had the same thing on one of mine. I actually caved and let LO feed just long enough to relieve the pain of it. That was the last time she BF.

 

[Lou78]

I'm trying to reduce my milk too. Have BF for 3 an half months, but dd has allergy to cows milk so havign to put her on Hypoallergenic formula. I'm leaving boobs as long as is bearable then, just expressing about 60ml or so to reduce the pressure. Hoping it will ease up soon as have a long haul flight on Snday night and I don't really want to be expressing on the plane!