Does anyone have any tips on engorgement when bottle feeding? Do they have a drying up medicine yet?

Answer 1

Call your Ob/Gyn they should be able to call in a prescription for you without a visit. Don't suffer needlessly, the medications have been around for years and are not harmful. I believe statistically by using medication you are less likely to get an infection (mastasis).

Answer 2

I am breastfeeding my 10 month old so I don't have any experienced advice for you, but I have friends who didn't breastfeed and they say to use cabbage leaves on your breasts. Somehow that will dry the milk up. Also, when my milk first came in and I was SO engorged, I would stand in the shower and let the warm water run over my back and shoulders and chest. That really helped the milk come down and I had some relief. I think the doctor can also give you some pills that will help dry up the milk, I think they are estrogen pills. I know regular birth control pills can dry up your milk also. I hope you feel better soon.

Try breastfeeding your baby and see if it makes you feel better.

Answer 3

I'm weaning my bub at the moment. The good old cold cabbage leaves REALLY work. When bub is due for a feed get the bottle ready, offer the breast just enough to ease the pressure and then give the bottle. Doing this over a few days to a week will make it more comfortable. In Australia they do have medication to dry up the milk but you will still go through the painful times while this is happening.

Answer 4

I breastfed for only a month and then I had to go back on some dangerous medications so I know firsthand that there are things that work and things that don't! I didn't have any luck with the hot shower, but it did help to relax me and stop me from thinking about the pain for awhile. Cold compresses were what saved me, because my breasts felt so hot and hard. Cold cabbage leaves were very beneficial. Also they sell gell patches that cool on contact and that relieves a lot of the pain. They do have "drying up pills" but you would have to see you doctor for a prescription I believe. Its better that you let it happen naturally, even though it hurts like HELL for about a week. If you have a pump, just pump slightly enough to relieve a bit of the tension (like less than 5 minutes) Beware though, this can backfire if you do it too often. Good luck, and I hope things turn out well for you!

Answer 5

Wear two sportsbras; the medicine they used to use for drying up milk can cause blood clots, that is why they took it off the market. Do not put warm water on your breasts even in the shower. Take ibuprofin(advil) about 800mg every 6 hours. Rest and the pain will go away even though it may seem like forever : )

Answer 6

dont listen to the narrow mind people that tell you to go back to breast feeding. Its your baby, body and choice. If you can, try expressing when you can. The breast will not empty all together, but it does help the engorgement. Cabbage leaves do help, but change them often as they do go limp from the heat that is coming from your breast.good luck I hope it helps

Answer 7

another thing i did when i weaned my son was to take 2 degongestant pills with a sinus drying agent in them. this will help dry up the milk over a few weeks.

Answer 8

You can pump now to reduce engorgement and then gradually go down with volume and frequency of pumping.

Answer 9

i took breast pads put them against my breast, then wraped an ACE bandage around me, one for knees the big ones. dont rub, your breast not even in the shower. sleep on your tummy where it when you sleep to. mine cleared after about a week. my baby is 6 month and i still have a little milk come out.

Answer 10

At the hospital they gave me directions using cabbage leaves. I didn't read thru it though (I'm beastfeeding), but I'm sure you can find it by googling it. Congrats on your new baby.