The end is nigh..

[Pregnopaws]

for breastfeeding that is I have been breastfeeding for 6 months and 9 days and have two very legitimate reasons to quit. Today I saw a doctor as I have been having bouts of anxiety attacks and have been prescribed medication which doesn't allow me to breastfeed anymore. Also, LO has four sharp teeth that have been causing me quite a lot of tears, as every so often he takes a full grind or nasty bite on my nipples which sends shockwaves of pain through my body!!

Believe it or not, I am a bit devastated about stopping, even though LO has not been exclusively breastfed since about two weeks old. I have always breastfed him on demand with formula top ups and for the past few weeks it has mostly been just a couple of comfort sucks in the night or a feed or two during the day.

I have been umm-ing and ahh-ing about stopping altogether since around five months but always given in due to wanting what is best for him when clearly I knew that I needed some medical assistance for a while now. Finally, I have decided that i need to be well in order to take care of him and it's a good time now that he is fully weaned onto solids. I shall miss taking him into my bed and lying down sideways whilst shoving a whole boob into his mouth to keep him quiet. I have already shed a few tears because all you nurturing mothers know the huge bond and the love you feel when breastfeeding your little ones.

I would like to know if any of you expressed some milk to reduce the production of milk, dropped feeds, or did nothing at all? I haven't felt any discomfort yet and its been 12 hours since I fed him. Should I only express some if it feels engorged or leaky? Thanks so much for any replies ladies! xx

 

[DebbieM]

You did great getting to 6 months. Cant offer advice but can give some

 

[valentine]

Hi Pregnopaws,

to you and Connor.

My LO self weaned about 3 weeks ago at 1 year and I found it best to express as little as possible (just to relieve this discomfort) and my milk supply just diminished within a couple of days, it was scary and before that sudden stop, I'd been feeding regularly 3 times a day for months and months.

As my LO self weaned, I'm not sure how to go about managing your situation, but it doesn't sound like he feeds a lot from you now, so I'd be tempted just to stop and just express a little bit if you get uncomfortable.

It sounds like you've been having a hard time, thinking of you and hope you feel better soon.

Valentine Xxx

 

[Pregnopaws]

Thank you ladies. I feel a bit physically cut off from him all of a sudden and had a few tears last night as he tried desperately to lie back on my lap for a comfort suck. I felt horribly guilty and sad and had to give him to his dad to settle him.
He's just had his breakfast and is absolutely fine and hasn't tried to get on my breast, but i've had to express a bit this morning as I felt a little bit uncomfortable and sore. I read somewhere that a woman stuck two plasters on her nipples, and when her LO lifted up her top she told him it was 'broken'. I doubt my LO would understand that yet but its worth a try if he gets funny again. lol.

 

[sunnyday]

I was told not to express any off when stopping as it will only encourage your supply. A good tip that I was given was to wear a really tight bra (day and night) as it helps with the discomfort. I did this and it worked.

 

[purple13]

no advice but lots of you've done so well getting this far and should be really proud of yourself xxx

 

[Pregnopaws]

Advice on stopping seems to be very conflicting, and not much support online for the upset. Just had the first brawl with him in my arms. He rubbed his eyes and had that 'look' of 'ok its time for my breast and nap' Well he was desperate to suck! He usually has it around his mid morning nap. OK,....... so I offered him a yoghurt, a bottle of milk, cuddled him (which was 10x worse as boobs are now leaky and he can smell me).. put him in his pram and gave him toys, anything to distract him. Tried EVERYTHING and he just cried for the past half hour. Picked him up last resort and sang loudly, cuddled him on my shoulder and he finally fell asleep with tears in his eyes. Now I feel even WORSE, crying, lump in my throat and feel emotionally torn apart. I hope I can get through this! Poor thing. I had a feeling this would happen plesae tell me it will get better SOON or i don't know if I can be strong enough!!

 

[KJ]

Hi Hun,

I stopped a few weeks ago after breastfeeing for 10 months, so I know how sad you are feeling. It does feel like you are losing a bit of yourself really.

I cut down gradually. From 6 months, I introduced 1 bottle a day, then 2 bottles at 9 months and then 3 bottles at 10months. When I stopped I had no discomfort at all. So I can't really advise on going cold turkey.

I would only express if it's getting sore. Keep massaging them and watch out for lumps or anything suspect that might indicate blocked ducts or mastitis.

Hope it all goes well and just wanted to give you some hugs.



xx

 

[andreag]

I stopped around the same time as you as LO was dropping the feeds, and dropped all of them in about a week. I would try not to express unless you get really uncomfortable, and then only the minimum. I was quite surprised by how quickly it dried up though.

I found taking baths together gives you some of the same closeness of breastfeeding, and it does get easier.

You have done really well to get this far - I really think we should all get medals!