Stopping BFing

laurenbug

For various reasons, I have decided not to BF anymore.  I've already been supplimenting, and am down to only nursing 2x/day and pumping 1-2x/day.  So, my supply has already dwindled.  Right now, though, I am so engorged and uncomfortable.  What do I need to do for relief right now, and what do I need to do to completely dry up?  Please...advice only, no flames.  I've beat myself up about this enough already.  Thanks.

MrsGladney

I had to ride it out and wore a tight sports bra for a couple of days.  I was already very large so my engorgement wasn't so bad.  HTH.

J+O

Take a hot shower, pump a little if you're in too much pain, and I've heard something about cabbage leaves?

MrsGladney

Oh yea.. I heard the cabbage leaf thing too and that it really works.

iris427

I thought you were supposed to avoid hot showers, because they stimulate let down and milk production?

mlf625

I was told hot showers are a bad idea- at least, letting the hot water touch your breasts is bad. ?I never BF'd and was very painfully engorged for about 5 days. ?I wore 2 tight sports bras and a tight tank top over that, avoided hot water in the shower, and stuck a bag of frozen peas between my sports bras from time to time. ?It sucks. ?:(

Why would anyone flame you? ?It's a personal choice and you need to do what's best for you! ?I hated BFing and quit in the hospital- I've never regretted that for a minute. ?Good luck.?

mlf625

iris427:

I thought you were supposed to avoid hot showers, because they stimulate let down and milk production?

Right. ?When I tried a hot shower, milk seriously poured out of me. ?I was later told NO hot water, and to shower in ace bandages if I really wanted a hot shower.?

engaged678

sinus medication - decongestants help dry you up. It's supposed to do the same thing for mucous in your sinuses. Worked for me, I had a head cold at the time.

laurenbug

Thanks for all of the advice.  mlf, you're right about the flames, I think it was more that I've given myself such a hard time about this, I couldn't bear to hear 'just give it a few more days' or whatever, not really flames.  And good to know about the sinus meds, I've got a killer cold as well, so maybe I can work on two things at once.