Breast and Breastfeeding

Love_A_Bargain · 31 March 2011 at 12:49AM

Hello, am looking to stop breastfeeding completely now that my little one would soon be 1 year and I was wondering what happens to the breastmilk in the breast. Does it dry up by itself or is there something that can be taken to dry it up? How long did it take to dry up for you Mothers?

I've noticed that sometimes when I hardly breastfeed my breast gets so heavy and uncomfortable with the milk in there until my lo breastfeeds then it feels much better. So imagine when breastfeeding stops completely....hmmmm:think:, it will surely be heavy.

Thanks.:)

pixelation · 31 March 2011 at 3:10AM

To stop breastfeeding it is easier to reduce one feed at at time rather than stop all at once. Plan ahead and you can cut middle of the day feeds. Bedtime feed and first morning feeds are usually the last to go.
As you gradually reduce feeds, the supply and demand also slows, so when you stop you breasts are ready for it.
It is quite possible to still squeeze a little milk out many months after stopping feeding, so don't worry about that.
Hope that helps,
Pixel, IBCLC

Love_A_Bargain · 31 March 2011 at 4:26AM

Thanks for that, I've stopped the day feeding, I now only breastfeed at nights and early mornings. Will definitely continue to try and reduce it slowly.

rachbc · 31 March 2011 at 9:25AM

I droped a feed at a time over 2/3 months when I went back to work til for about 3 weeks she was just having a betime feed (at 15m) and when I stopped I had a little fullness for 2/3 days and it went. Unlike ds who stopped feeding pretty much overnight at 11m and it was agony!!

Molly41 · 31 March 2011 at 9:32AM

Supply and demand so your breasts will be full and engorged for a couple of days until the hormones reduce and milk production ceases. Wear a supportive bra day and night, paracetamol/ ibuprofen and dont express as that will encourage more milk to be produced.

nzmegs · 31 March 2011 at 10:53AM

pretty much same advice as above, but also remember to wear pads in your bra in case you leak while it settles down. Yes it can be uncomfortable, but as you only feed twice a day now, it shouldn't be too bad. it will be the nights with a baby who wants a feed which will be worse!

Love_A_Bargain · 31 March 2011 at 1:28PM

Thanks for the advice, some painful times ahead for me then. Will definitely try and get the supportive bras, paracetamol and breast pads.

stiltwalker · 31 March 2011 at 1:39PM

I stopped when DD was 2 months for various reasons and it was painful but only for about a week after that it was fine. Second the good bras and pads but if you find your breasts being sore then cabbage leaves from the fridge in your bra really helps! Sounds bizarre but really does, and they are just the right shape, you might feel a bit silly, I know I did, and I'm not recommending for a trip down the shops, but just for those moment when you are really getting to the point where it is all getting to much. Good luck

Chloris · 31 March 2011 at 2:38PM

You might want to use some herbs as well as reducing the feeds. Sage tea with help to dry up the milk. HTH

clairec79 · 31 March 2011 at 2:43PM

When I stopped last time I felt fine after about a week from the last feed but could still get a few drops if I tried to express for anout 2 months afterwards (just wanted to know how long there was some there - not enough to cause leakage etc but enough to get a drop on the nipple) - think I wore breastpads for about 2 weeks

Love_A_Bargain · 31 March 2011 at 3:09PM

Cabbage leaves...hmmm, sounds strange but hey if it works am more than willing to give it a try if its get unbearable, thanks for that! Sage tea, I'll see where I can get some, thanks!