please help?

Question

i have a newborn son and am not breast feeding, my milk came through and im in absolute agony is there any quick fixes i can do to dry them up, i dont think my back can take the pain much longer.
also i would like to clarify that there is a reason why im not breast feeding (which im not going to go into) so please no comments about how breast is best

Answer 1

I don't know if this really works but I know a lady who had really bad mastitis and was told to put cabbage leaves inside her nursing bra.
Please do not think this is a wind-up,I have been a Childrens Nanny for years,but as I said I don't know if it works or not.
As soon as you can speak to your health visitor.
By the way you do not have to defend not breast feeding,it is your choice and no-one else has a right to make their opinions known!

Answer 2

o.k. first it is a personal choice. I happen to think that when my daughter was little, I knew that I didn't eat consistantly good food. I also happen to know that what I eat effects the breast milk, so eating a lot of salad could make your baby gassy, just as it would you. But back to your question, I tried this and it worked...sort of, If you put cabbage leaves on your breasts several times a day for a few days you should be o.k. another option is to express a little to relieve some of the pressure. I would't express much because your body will just produce more to replace it thinking that the baby will need it...ultimately the best thing is to be patient, i know this is hard to do but it really is the best thing. and one more thing...I think that consitant nutrition is best for babies, and formula is the way to go. Besides, then the baby's dad can join in the fun of middle of the night feedings! I also think that it is disgusting to see a woman in the middle of a public place (like a restaurant) breast feeding, this is something that should be done in private, if people wanted to see this all the time they would go to the zoo more often.

Answer 3

I understand about the breast feeding part,i also had reasons to why i didnt do it either. Pain killers did the trick for me and yes it does really hurt,i say thats the worst part of it all,good news tho it only lasts a few days also they will eventually dry up in a week or so when your body knows it doesnt need the breast milk.

Answer 4

Congrats on the new baby! Anyway, what I did for the pain was put a bag of frozen peas on my breasts. This really helped a lot. As far as letting my milk dry up, I just did this cold turkey, but I guess this is the wrong why to do this.

Answer 5

I found when my breasts became full and painful, the only relief I got was either putting a hot towel over them, or soaking in a hot bath.(Obviously not too hot!!)
Try not to express, as this will encourage milk production.
For me the pain eased after the first day, and within a couple more days was gone. If the pain lasts longer, or is too unbearable, you can express a little just to release the pressure. Only express a small amount, to ease the pain, and try not to do it too much.xxx

Answer 6

Have you tried binding your chest tight? That is supposed to help. There is also some type of pill that is supposed to help dry you up. I suggest calling your doctor and asking for it. Just don't express any out. I know it hurts, but expressing will just encourage further milk production. You can also put cold cabbage leaves on your breasts. Or ice packs for up to 20 minutes at a time. Sage tea (brewed as a tea to drink) is supposed to inhibit milk production. And don't try to dry up by drinking less water. It will only dehydrate you!

Answer 7

I had a friend who didn't breastfeed either she just wore a tight fitting bra and took painkillers for a few days if I remember correctly she said it took her 5 days to dry up but of course some woman might dry up quicker. and don't take any hot showers the heat will make the milk flow out.
And to deville why don't you take your food to the bathroom or some other private place a mother should be able to nurse her baby anywhere but I do think they should be discreet about it and not just let there boobs hang all out.

Answer 8

I was in loads of pain when I stopped breast feeding and I found that not wearing a bra but wearing a really tight summer vest was the most comfortable thing to do. Its another one of those women things that we just have to deal with. You shouldn't have to wait to long to dry up. Just try not to let anyone or anything brush against them, If it gets unbearable speak to your midwife.
Good luck and congrats xx

Answer 9

Well done for telling it up straight that this isn't the time to bully you and congratulations on your baby!

Either heat or cold will help you. You can buy special booby hot/cold packs and decide what feels best: either boil water and stick the pads in the hot water for a few minutes,or freeze them.

Express just enough to relieve the pain, but dot too much and see a doc for the meds to stop milk.

Otherwise, get this homeopathic mixture done and massage twice a day:
H.E. Achillea ligustica 2ml
-H.E. Inula graveolens 1ml
-H.V. Rosa rubiginosa 5ml
-H.V. Corylus avellana 5ml
-Ex: neutral gel qsp 100ml

Take care, it really hurts!

Answer 10

Draw a deep and warm bath, then try (and it will be difficult) lie in it face down (well, with as much as your breast in the water as possible) It would also be useful to keep your face out of the water!!!!!

The warm water will ease the pain, and helps draw out the milk. You should find, if you try it tonight and again in the morning, you should be ok

I did this when I stopped breastfeeding at six weeks and it worked beautifully.