What happens to your breast milk if you do not breast feed?

[rachaellouise]

Hubby and I have been having a chat and think it may be best to start off straight away with bottle feeding, I would like to be able to breast feed but with the extremely high chance of me needing to go back on to my medication straight after the birth we feel there is not much point mucking about.
What happens to your breast milk if you do not breast feed?

 

[Lacey's Mummy]

It drys up Hun. With daughter it came in 2 days after giving birth and I soaked my nighty then with my son it never came in just had heavy sore boobs x

 

[rachaellouise]

So it drys up on its own? Do you have to have any medication?

 

[Poxie_pixie]

If you tell ur midwife ur not breastfeeding they can give you medication to stop milk production, or so i've been told. X

 

[Lacey's Mummy]

Mine stopped on it's own after a couple of days

 

[tinytoes]

Mine leaked for about three days (thank god for breast pads) then gradually stopped after I stopped trying to beast feed . It does hurt though as your milk comes in and is just sitting there , I felt like I had two boulders in my bra as my breasts were rock solid . I used cabbage leaves to relieve the pain .

 

[rachaellouise]

So maybe getting the injection to dry it up would be the best bet?

 

[Emmamb]

I bottle fed my 1st and took about a good few weeks for milk to completely dry up but only about 5 days for leakage to stop x

 

[Sunnyb]

If you decide not to breastfeed, after a bit of leakage your body reabsorbs the milk back into your body. It's probably bet to let nature take it's course rather than taking medication. I think it's only advisable if you have severe discomfort tbh.

Sunnyb x

 

[LouLou1986]

Came in three days after and Mine dryed up on its own, no medication for me

 

[Rósa]

Can I ask why you want to go back on your medication if you are ok off it while pregnant?

 

[rachaellouise]

I am not coping very well without it and may have to go back on to it during pregnancy but I am trying my hardest not to due to effects on baby, but I have an extremely high risk of PND as it stands so will be going back on to my meds asap after the birth if not before.

 

[Rósa]

I am not coping very well without it and may have to go back on to it during pregnancy but I am trying my hardest not to due to effects on baby, but I have an extremely high risk of PND as it stands so will be going back on to my meds asap after the birth if not before.

Sorry to hear that, you come across as if you are coping well xx

 

[rachaellouise]

I am not coping very well without it and may have to go back on to it during pregnancy but I am trying my hardest not to due to effects on baby, but I have an extremely high risk of PND as it stands so will be going back on to my meds asap after the birth if not before.

Sorry to hear that, you come across as if you are coping well xx

Aww thankyou for the hug, I am trying but having lots of wobbles

 

[Lacey's Mummy]

You need to do what you think is best! Ive had PND with both my children so if you need to chat pm me. It helps to talk it's the only thing that keeps me sane lol x x

 

[rachaellouise]

Thankyou Laceys Mummy!! I may well take you up on that!!

 

[yorksmummy]

I breast fed both of mine so can't say 100% but the lady in the bed next to me with my 2nd was bottle feeding from the start, the midwife was telling her to be careful when showering etc to not stimulate her boobs in anyway to prevent the production starting. It took 5 days for my milk to come in anyway so I would guess that if you have no stimulation from baby etc it'll go away on its own. Ask your midwife for advice when you meet with her, I know thay are all supposed to be "Breat is best" etc but in my experience breast feeding mums are in the minority. She shouldn't be judgemental as it is your decision but she can tell you exactly what they will suggest/do if you decide not to breast feed.

 

[Sunnyb]

There is medication out there for depression that can be taken whilst breastfeeding. I got PND with my little boy, but was so hung up on breastfeeding & felt if I stopped it would make me a bad mum & break the bond I had with him. My GP put me on meds that allowed me to continue to breastfeed. Depression is an awful think to have to deal with & anxiety attacks. I suffered in my late teens with both & it started again after having my son. It may happen again with my second baby, but who knows? I could be ok. I also had 18 months worth of cognitive behavioural therapy which helped a lot last time. This time if it happened again, I would know where ibwas heading & seek help sooner. If you want to breastfeed discuss your options with your GP & midwife.

Sunnyb x

 

[Karlie]

Mine stopped by itself to