Formula Feeding Mommies...QUESTION!!

RunningWife · September 2010

I currently have DS on a combination of formula and breast milk, both being fed out of a bottle. I have been pumping several times a day. However, due to unforseen circumstances (being put on a medication), I am unable to continue feeding him my breastmilk, so I would like to start decreasing my supply to dry myself up.

I did have an issue with engorgement at the beginning, and would really like to avoid that discomfort, if possible. Do any of you have any tips/hints for drying up without major pain/discomfort? I know DS is only a week and a half old, so my supply is still pretty steady (but not major, only approx 2oz per side, pumping for 10-15min every 3-4 hours).

Thanks!! Appreciate it!

eh8 · September 2010

You can express a little by hand every time you start to have a little pain. Just make sure you stop before your let down. This is what I did and it worked for me at 6 weeks.

shortms6 · September 2010

My milk never fully came in but I was in some major pain when it was drying up. I just wore a tight sports bra. I've heard cabbage leaves can help as well.

LCB34 · September 2010

My milk came in BIG time (I'm talking boobs literally up to my chin - no joke) about 36-48 hours after birth. I had no intentions of BFing so I wore a super tight sports bra and bound my breasts with a thick ace bandage. I also put cabbage leaves (that were chilled in the fridge) in my bra when I was in lots of pain.

I don't know if any of it really helped as I was miserable for about 4-5 days. I was so engorged that I couldn't even hand express any milk to relieve some of the pain.

All I can say is that it does get better - my boobs are back to normal (although pretty saggy now).

emilyrzbk · September 2010

I took Benadryl. A friend told me that's what her dr. recommended....that and one or two sports bras. I bf'd for a couple of weeks then ep'd for about 4 days and then decided to dry 'em up. It was only really painful for about 2 days for me but probably b/c I kinda did it gradually (?). Good Luck!

PubStar09 · September 2010

emilyrzbk:
I took Benadryl. A friend told me that's what her dr. recommended....that and one or two sports bras. I bf'd for a couple of weeks then ep'd for about 4 days and then decided to dry 'em up. It was only really painful for about 2 days for me but probably b/c I kinda did it gradually (?). Good Luck!

I'm not in your boat, but Benadryl is a good idea. Any antihistamine will dry up ALL of your sinuses... milk sinuses included.

Artemis0685 · September 2010

If you don't want to be in pain, my best advice is to dry up slowly. If you stop pumping cold turkey you're going to be in pain and you might get an infection. Keep pumping but not every 3-4 hours, just when you start getting full. Don't empty your breast BUT pump until you are comfortable and slowly start decreasing your pumping sessions per day. You'll soon notice your supply decreasing and eventually you'll notice that you wont get engorged anymore...you'll still have some milk but at that point you'll be fine to stop pumping without going through pain. Yes it's going to take longer than cold turkey, but it's a lot more comfortable! Super engorged boobs HURT like a b!tch!!!!

MelH926 · September 2010

I'm actually going through that right now. 2 days ago I was in major pain. My breasts were hard as a rock and any slight touch would hurt! I had cabbage leaves in my bra yesterday and wore my spanx top. It must have worked because today they are still huge, but not hard or painful. I also had a lot of leakage yesterday and the day before, and today I barely had any. Good luck!

Mama2beNY · September 2010

I wore a tight bra and just made sure I kept my back to the water in the shower and didn't let the hot water get on my chest since it stimulates milk production, I stayed away from dairy which also stimulates milk production and I took motrin. I was uncomfortable for about a day and a half but not real pain or anything...

Watergirl21 · September 2010

I am in the opposite situation (wanting more milk than less) but I was told mint decreases milk as does sage... so perhaps have some mojitos? Also cut down on how much water you drink.... my mom said popsicles really helped when she stopped nursing.

RunningWife · September 2010

Great suggestions! Thanks, Ladies! I have been sleeping with a sports bra on for comfort; perhaps I'll double up on them during the day, and I love the Benadryl idea...

Thanks again!

Mattingly23 · September 2010

really, really tight sports bra- like a size too small! GL!

julybaby23 · September 2010

I only took the tight bra offf when showering and also had benadryl. It was not bad at all.

wandafeet · September 2010

Artemis0685:

If you don't want to be in pain, my best advice is to dry up slowly. If you stop pumping cold turkey you're going to be in pain and you might get an infection. Keep pumping but not every 3-4 hours, just when you start getting full. Don't empty your breast BUT pump until you are comfortable and slowly start decreasing your pumping sessions per day. You'll soon notice your supply decreasing and eventually you'll notice that you wont get engorged anymore...you'll still have some milk but at that point you'll be fine to stop pumping without going through pain. Yes it's going to take longer than cold turkey, but it's a lot more comfortable! Super engorged boobs HURT like a b!tch!!!!

ditto. I would pump or hand express until the you're comfortable. It takes some time and patience, but it's worth avoiding the pain. Cabbage leaves didn't work for me and a tight bra only made it more uncomfortable.

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