I'm currently 38 weeks pregnant and wanted so badly to breastfeed for lots of reasons, but unfortunately, I'm not able to. For any experienced mothers, how long does it take for breast milk to "dry up"? Is it painful?
Any information about this would be helpful... Thanks.
2006-10-21 03:05:02 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
To the mother concerned about why I'm not able to breastfeed...
I have a history of depression and my doctors are worried that I'm at high-risk for PPD. Given the choice between breastfeeding and being fully capable for caring for my newborn, I chose to take medication.
It was a tough choice, but I know how PPD can affect my baby in the long-run and I'm not willing to risk that.
2006-10-21 03:41:44 · update #1
The time it takes to dry up varies from woman to woman and experience to expereince
Apply cabbage leaves on your breast to help ease the pain
2006-10-21 03:11:18 · answer #1 · answered by Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Mom2two Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry you're not able to breastfeed, but it is truly wonderful that you wanted what is best for your child.
It is very uncomfortable when drying up. It can be painful, but like some others said, (your nurse or dr. will tell you also) try to wear something tight around yourself, wear bra to bed. It kinda helps. Some motrin now and then should ease it up too. Unfortunately there's not a whole lot we can do to speed up the process,our bodies do what they do on its own. It should only take a couple weeks and you will feel tons better.
You will be leaking a lot though, suring the process. Especially when you are around the baby. A lot of times when they cry, we get milk pouring out. (our natural instincts) So remember to always where breastpads, which can be quite thin, so maybe double up on them at times. It can be messy for your clothes.
Good luck hun, and Blessed be! Babies are worth everything we go through and much much more. The most precious gift ever. Congratulations again!!
*the nurse will help you with any questions before you and baby leave the hospital, so don't feel embarrased to ask anything.
2006-10-21 03:21:59 · answer #2 · answered by LadyMagick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand why you want to take the meds,Have you asked your Dr though about orther meds that will treat the conditon and will not afect your breast feeding? I know there are some out there.If that is still not an option,If you do not start to breast feed you do not actually get milk, that comes in later after the colostrum,
Being as I breast fed I can not tell you how long it takes you if do not but I quit nursing my last boy a year ago and still have some milk.There used to be a shot that you could get to help "dry up" your milk if you did not want to BF. Hope this helps some good luck.
2006-10-21 05:18:56 · answer #3 · answered by blue_eyed_brat78 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many times the reasons moms think they can't breastfeed can be solved. If you are willing, please share the reason you believe you can't nurse. Maybe we can help you find a solution. Feel free to contact me directly if you don't want to post it on here.
EDITED TO ADD INFO ON DEPRESSION:
There ARE meds for PPD that are safe while breastfeeding.
If you truely WANT to breastfeed and are denied the chance, that is likely to make PPD worse. Especially because of the hormone changes that will happen if you don't nurse as well. The hormones associated with breastfeeding could actually HELP you.
Breastfeeding is associated with enhanced mental health
Mezzacappa ES. Breastfeeding and maternal stress response and health (Review). Nutr Rev. 2004 Jul;62(7 Pt 1):261-8.
This article reviews findings on the maternal stress and health effects of lactation. Several significant associations have emerged. Compared with not breastfeeding, breastfeeding is associated with increased parasympathetic nervous system modulation, greater vascular stress response, lower perceived stress levels, and fewer depressive symptoms. Breastfeeding exclusively is associated with an attenuated initial sympathetic cardiac nervous system response to some laboratory stressors. Bottle-feeding is associated with increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic cardiac control. The act of breastfeeding is associated with decreased neuroendocrine response to stressors and decreased negative mood. Finally, breastfeeding is associated with enhanced physical and mental health compared with non-breastfeeding.
Check out these links:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/antidepressants-hale10-02.html
and
http://www.kellymom.com/ppd/ppd-treatment.html
If you know what meds your doc plans to prescribe, I will be glad to look them up for you in "Medications & Mother's Milk" by Thomas Hale, which is *THE* best resource for medictions and breastfeeding info.
2006-10-21 03:25:12 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mine took about 2 weeks. Yes it is painful. I just popped Motrin every so often. I've heard some women using cold cabbage leaves or binding themselves (wrapping something around them really tight.)
I hope everything works out. Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience but you can do that with bottle feeding too. Good luck!
2006-10-21 03:08:02 · answer #5 · answered by net_grl79 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is very painful. I tried to breastfeed, but it was too hard for me, because my husband wasn't supportive, which made me give up (because i had post partum depression, he didn't know & didn't realize he was making it worse)
Your breasts will get really hard & burning feeling. Ice packs help. They tell you not to stimulate the breasts at this time, but when mine hurt & ice packs didn't help, i pumped them & was soooo much better. It took a few weeks for mine to completely dry up.
2006-10-21 03:09:55 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋