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Drying up

dkizz82dkizz82 member
in Formula Feeding
i searched and found some useful info but wanted to see if you ladies had any other advice for me. I have been exclusively pumping for 11 days. My LO is tongue tied and doesn't latch well. I went to a LC yesterday and found out i shouldn't be giving her Breast milk because of the heart medication I take. So boom, we're formula feeders.
Can someone help me with the drying up process? I have cabbage leaves and I am thinking of gradually weaning myself from the pump. Any advice or what worked for you would be great!
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Re: Drying up

  • coripiersoncoripierson member
    I am just starting the process of weening but I have read that really tight sports bras will help!
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  • dkizz82dkizz82 member
    coripierson said:

    I am just starting the process of weening but I have read that really tight sports bras will help!

    Yes! I have lived in a sports bra. I used to pump every 3 hours for 20 mins. I'm down to 5 mins when I wake up and 5 when I go to sleep. It's helping some. Plus cabbage leaves are helping. Good luck!
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  • VTomanVToman member
    I gradually reduced pumping over a couple of weeks. Now, I only pump once every couple days for about 5 minutes. Frozen gel packs in my bra have helped with some of the discomfort as well. I hear the cabbage leaves work good but I just never got around to trying them. Probably would have dried up faster if I did use them. One side is pretty much all dry now. Just waiting for the other side to stop producing!
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  • SLGILL1978SLGILL1978 member
    I have heard that cabbage leaves work the best! I have a toddler and stopped nursing over two years ago, and I still have milk (I haven't done anything to dry up though). 
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  • EmilywooddesignEmilywooddesign member
    The cabbage leaves REALLY worked for me! I put the cabbage in the fridge so they were nice and cold and changed the leaves every 6 hours. I wore them for about 4 days and I was amazed at how well it worked for me. Sore boobies are no fun
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  • CarlyCamas2CarlyCamas2 member
    I started the process last Sunday and the first 3 days were torture! I don't know if I did it the best way...but I would just pump when I would get way too uncomfortable, just enough to relieve myself but not too much for a full feeding. I would then mix the milk with formula so she would be gradually be transitioned to formula.

    The first day I had to pump 4 times for relief, second 3, third 2, and yesterday I didn't have to pump at all! They are still a little sore but nothing unbearable.

    I also used cabbage (which was amazing) and ice and lots of ibuprofen!

    Good luck!! I hope this helps :)
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  • Melis222Melis222 member
    Probably going to start this process too. DD is 3 months old and has reflux, dairy/soy intolerance and is having a horrible time on breastmilk. Her pediatric GI is having me pump and give her formula for a few days and she is don't better so I think breastfeeding is done :( sooooo, now the weaning begins for me. My right produces more and even though I've been pumping all the missed feedings the last few days it is already tender and has little lumps. Anyone else have that problem?
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  • thefithuntressthefithuntress member
    Bumping this. So far I've been drying up my supply for 4 days and it's been great!

    The hospital recommended a slightly tight bra, Motrin to reduce inflammation / chance of infection, and ice.

    I've used these techniques, avoided warm water in the shower hitting my breasts (I face the opposite way and "rinse," and purchased the Earth Mama No More Milk Tea. I drink at least a cup a day.

    So far the engorgement has died down tremendously and I haven't had much discomfort. Just wanted to share! ;)
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