For mothers who breastfeed(fed) - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

AZ24 · 04-22-2007, 11:10 PM

Hey Ladies,
Well my daughter turned a year old last week, and I've decided not to breastfeed anymore. At 11 months old, she decided she didn't want to nurse anymore, so I just pumped and gave her my milk from a sippycup since then. So, I've been pumping 2-3X a day for the last month or so. Well, I don't want to do it any more. She as transitioned to Organic Cow's milk really well, so the problem just lies with me.

The questions/problems I'm having is...how do I dry up

?? I've tried to only pump when my breasts feel really full/swollen, and for only a short time. They feel really lumpy (like ducts are swollen or something). What should I do? How long does this process take? How often (or not often) should I be pumping? It has only been 3 days now since I've "quit."

I appreciate your help

,
Stacey

mkgbrook · 04-23-2007, 07:57 AM

I pumped over 40 ounces a day for 10 months straight.. yes, I was the human milk cow.

To stop you just stop. No more pumping at all. Then bind your breasts well and tightly. It is the only way, it is going to hurt, but it helps. If after a couple of months you are still haveing issues with lactation go to your OB and have them test you. They will give you a shot to dry up the dregs.

Best of luck.. it sucks, but it will end.. eventually.
Sincerely,
MG

prairie_dawn · 04-24-2007, 11:37 AM

lumpy is not unusual. I would also stop completely. See when they are engorged and you pump to releive it you are telling b(O)(O)ies hey i need more. So if you stop it will be a pain in the butt but it will tell your hormones to stop supplying and dry up. It can take up to 18months to no longer be able to squeeze them and get milk. Trust me on that one.

Do not touch them dont even wash them ... Just let the water rinse over them and your shampoo from your hair will be just fine. We create that oil that helps clean them all by ourself. no stimulatoin from hubby either. I kwno he wont like it but gotta do what ya gotta do to stop the stimulation. K

dizzygirl · 04-24-2007, 05:48 PM

I have to disagree with the other mom's. Not that it didn't work for you, but when I stopped, ds was 14 months old, and I did at first stop cold turkey......and wound up with mastitis, and blocked milk ducts galore. I had to call the doctor, and she told me to slowly wean my body, just like you're doing by pumping when you're uncomfortable. I might take a few more days, even a week or two, but I really think it's better than getting sick.

meechieny · 04-24-2007, 07:23 PM

I think you should only pump when you are extremely uncomfortable and only enough to ease the pain. Decrease your fluid intake and try to wear a tight bra, even during the night. This might sound crazy, but you can stick cold cabbage leaves in yor bra. Cabbage has a small amount of estrogen and can help you dry up. The cold helps too. Also being on birth control pills (not the mini-pill) can help the process if that is an option. As far as I know they are no longer prescribing that medication to dry your milk up. I believe they found it had a high risk for causing brain aneurysms. Ouch! Good luck