Stopping suddenly

BSheffie

I have posted before about my low supply. I began to EP when DD was 4 weeks for several reasons. At my 6 week apt I was put on the mini pill and was one of the rare cases where it basically stopped my milk after a few days. Once stopping I started my period, ovulated, got a sinus infection and went back to work. The deck was really stacked against me, and we started to supliment. I didn't mind her getting formula but wanted to stay at a 50/50 ratio and was pretty close with LOTS of work. Well Sunday night she was admited into the NICU for a severe kidney infection. Long story short my life has been insanity and in the last 48 hours I've only pumped twice and between stress, no sleep, and vending machine meals, I only got 2 oz each time. I have no breast pain, no engorgement and feel that now is the time to stop pumping and just give DD the best organic formula I can. I was having to be inslaved with my pump and with my busy job I couldn't stay consistent and feel it is just taking too much time away from my family and causing great stress. That said, is there anything I need to do to make sure i do not get an infection? I have noticed a sharp pain in my right rib cage by my breast a few times today but it could also be the sleeping positions (or lack of). And please, be respectful and keep on topic. I am really not interested in building my supply back up or relactating I simply want to avoid more problems. Thank you in advance

nblondheim

I have no advice but just wanted to say that you sure have a lot on your plate and are doing the best you can! I have twins in the NICU right now and it's everything but easy!!! Hang in there! *Hugs*

DahliaFlower

First off, I am sorry you have had to deal with all of these issues and that in spite of your best efforts, it seems like you feel it would be best to stop BF at this point.  It sounds like you've given it a very good go, and I don't think anyone would fault you for stopping at the time you feel is right for you and your LO.  

I'm by no means an expert, but it sounds like your supply has pretty much slowed up to a stop.  I don't think you need to worry too much about an infection if you have not experienced engorgement or any systemic symptoms.  I have had mastitis 3 times as of now, and on each occasion, the body aches, fevers, chills, headaches were more significant than the breast pain.  I suppose it's possible that you could develop an issue from stopping altogether right now, but it really doesn't sound like you're headed that way.  

As an aside, when we lost our first baby, my milk came in and to stop it, I wore tight sports bras, avoided warm water on my chest, etc.  I was very engorged, but it resolved in a few days with no ill effects.  

flummadiddle85

DahliaFlower said:

First off, I am sorry you have had to deal with all of these issues and that in spite of your best efforts, it seems like you feel it would be best to stop BF at this point.  It sounds like you've given it a very good go, and I don't think anyone would fault you for stopping at the time you feel is right for you and your LO.  

I'm by no means an expert, but it sounds like your supply has pretty much slowed up to a stop.  I don't think you need to worry too much about an infection if you have not experienced engorgement or any systemic symptoms.  I have had mastitis 3 times as of now, and on each occasion, the body aches, fevers, chills, headaches were more significant than the breast pain.  I suppose it's possible that you could develop an issue from stopping altogether right now, but it really doesn't sound like you're headed that way.  

As an aside, when we lost our first baby, my milk came in and to stop it, I wore tight sports bras, avoided warm water on my chest, etc.  I was very engorged, but it resolved in a few days with no ill effects.  

I haven't gone through weaning yet, but I heard tight bras could cause clogs/mastitis. Maybe someone else can correct me if I'm wrong. I hear cabbage leaves and hand expressing to comfort help. Earth Mama Angel Baby also makes a No More Milk Tea, but again, no practical experience with that.

ac1259

With my first DD I had like no milk supply, I was pumping to get her maybe 1 bottle a day. When I decided to stop, I just did and it was fine. I had never had engorgement before and I didn't after I stopped. I felt full sometimes but it went away within a week or 2. It kinda sounds like you're in a similar place with milk supply as I was, but I'm no expert. I've heard sudafed can help and cabbage leaves, but honestly last time I did absolutely nothing and it just stopped coming, no infection or problems. Hope that helps!