Stopping Breastfeeding - Help!

kirstle99

kafkathecat wrote: »

Something I didn't see in any books and which I was only told after having problems was that fair skin people suffer most from sore nipples and bleeding.

It's funny you should say that, as I'm very fair (redhead) and that's exactly what the breastfeeding support worker said to me yesterday! Whether it's planted a seed subconsiously for me I don't know, but then again, I did have terrible problems breastfeeding my 1st child also.

At least i've given it a go, and thank you for all the kind words of support and advice!

At least my husband can now take over some of the feeding which is also good, as recovering from a c-section is kinda hard just by itself!

gratefulforhelp_2

The fair skin thing is a major old wives tale.

And the breastfeeding "helper" who said your baby was a "naughty feeder" !!!!!!?

Hugs OP look after the little guy.

Have they checked for tongue tie? My 3 month old had it and it makes b/f much harder.

skintchick

Nicki wrote: »

It doesn't have to hurt for 6 weeks! Once you and baby get the hang of things it should stop hurting immediately virtually.

True.

however, I found breastfeeding hurt for ten weeks, at which point something clicked, either she learned to latch properly or I put her on right or whatever, and it was suddenly easy.

I was seeking help from my local drop in and the HVs all of those 10 weeks though, and did consider giving up. I am so glad I didn't. DD and I enjoy a breastfeeding relationship nearly 2 years on, and I am now a qualified volunteer with the Breastfeeding Network, and would say to any women having difficulties, as Nicki has said, to seek help and lots of it.

It really should not hurt. I know now that my DD has never had a decent latch, but that didn;t stop us feeding exclusively for 6 months and continuing to feed as she approached her second birthday - it can be done.

I know the OP wants to stop so this isn;t aimed at her, but just some encouragement to anyone else reading.

Seek help! lots! (and do check for tongue tie as it's not really taken seriously enough by HVs and hospitals, and it really does have a big impact on breastfeeding).

kafkathecat

It might be an old wives tale but the more I talk to people the more I find it to be true. It actually helps some of us to know these things; I breastfed my ds for a year in the end. If people hadn't told me the truth about the pain and bleeding I would have given up.

johnswife

A long time ago now (21 yrs) but I was determined to breastfeed so didn't buy any formula. After about 5 days I had bleeding nipples, fed her at night and went to sleep dreading her waking up.I remember waking my husband up about 7am crying telling himm to go and buy some powder milk so I could feed her. I did bottles and breast but by about 6 months my milk started drying up so just bottle fed her.

With my second daughter as soon as i was left alone with her in the hospital I picked her up and breast fed her. I never had a problem with her or sore nipples. The same with daughter number three.

For me I think I was just more confident with the last two but I didn't feel a failure with my first daughter. It's important to have a happy, healthy baby and a happy and healthy Mum.

Good luck to the OP and any new mums out there.

ashaput

hi all... actually i know nothing about this matter, I just love to read all the comments of posters in this thread. I know it will be very useful for me when the time comes. But I heard that cabbage could help you from the nipples sore. Some of my neighbor ever been in you situation and cabbage helps them a lot.

Bunny

I found as you say a shower helped to relieve fullness, I got some pads from sainsburys (they were half price) you can warm them or cool them, fortunately I didn't get really painful because I guess I cut down gradually.
I breast fed for around 3 months, had to gradually increase onto formula, because I was serving skimmed and not full fat, There was plenty of milk there and the latch was good.
Also I found it painful for around 3 days where nipples bled etc (so very attractive) nipple shields did help on that front and lanolin.
If you do decide to stick to formula, don't kick yourself! you'll be a much better mummy if you are a happy mummy :P