I was not prepared for the pain of quitting EP. For me the pain was worse than the recovery of birth.
If you can - give yourself many weeks to wean yourself off of pumping/bf.
After a very stressful bout of EP and my daughter having food allergies I decide to just stick with the formula. Since making that decision to quit pumping I got told I am going out of town for work. I really don't want to travel with my pump by plane so I decided to go from weaning off the pump to going cold turkey. Holy hell - it was (still is) painful. No one warned me of the pain.
Yesterday I had a co-worker tell me to put Vicks Vapor Rub and cabbage leaves (with veins broke) on my chest. I left work early and decided to give her methods a shot. OMG - best decision ever. I am doing so much better now than I was this time yesterday. The Vicks and cold cabbage leaves are SO soothing. I'm now on a routine of taking 3-4 ibuprofen, rub Vicks on my boobs, and then put cold cabbage leaves on top. I have noticed a very drastic dip in my engorgement and my boobs feel less full.
Anyway - I don't recommend going cold turkey, but if you are crazy like me and go that route I highly suggest having lots of vicks and cabbage leaves on hand.
I noticed a HUGE difference in my pain and fullness sine I started this routine and thought I'd share.
Re: Stopping BF or Pumping - I have a soothing tip!
BFP #2 (5/18/13) due 1/26/14. Grow baby grow!
Its a surprise! Team green!
I am so intrigued by the cabbage leaves every time I hear about it.
@peanutmuse - I was skeptical of the cabbage leaves, but it works. It is kind of funny walking around with cabbage in my bra.
@Roses87 - I am starting to notice a difference today. While my boobs are still huge, they are softening in spots.
@sugerland726 I might try the Sudafed before I go to bed tonight... thanks for the tip!