? Any Moms that have Breastfed

[Dnk119]

I just stop breastfeeding and I was wondering how long do I have to put up with rock hard lumpy breasts that leak? How long does it take for your milk to dry up? I know it's been only 24 hrs. but I have to do it...Thanks Nicole

[KarlaB]

Don't think I am going to be of much help....mine both bf until they were one and since I slowly weaned my dks I didn't have that problem. Sorry. Had your little one still been nursing a lot up until now? Good luck!

[Lynda/WA]

Like Karla I gradually weaned off DS. With DD, my second, I decided not to breastfeed. They told me to do the wrap with ace bandages thing and no stimulation thing. I was extremely uncomfortable and like you say, rock hard. I was worried about masitus (major sp). I finally said forget it and expressed each day a little less without feeding. Just enough to relieve pressure. It only took a short time to stop pain free. Sort of like the quick version of weaning without ever breastfeeding. I don't know why that isn't recommended.

[Diane]

I did the same thing as the others. When I decided that I was no longer going to breast feed, I started to slowely give them more bottle than breast. That way my babies didn't have to stop cold turkey... and neither did I. It was easier on both of us doing it this way. I had a "little" bit of a leakage when I stopped but never had to go through the pain of having rock hard lumpy breasts that leaked. Good luck!!!

Diane...

[Dnk119]

No KarlaB just night time. I know I should have stopped along time ago. Her ped. said for me to do it but I just couldn't bear to see her that upset. Well I've had bad head pains for the past 2 weeks and finally broke down to go to the doctors. He put me on 800mg of Ibeuprofin 3 times a day for this week.I told him I was still breastfeeding He was like "why"..I felt imbarrassed. Well she just turned 2 so I guess it's been time for awhile.. They pricked my finger too for a white cell count all that is just fine..I don't know -I know having head pains for 2 weeks isn't normal though.
Well they don't hurt yet uless I lay on them or get squeezed. I guess I will put up with it as much as I can and then express a little...Well thanks everyone

[RCT]

If I remember correctly...I am loosing my mind slowly....it was like 24-48 hours of HELL, them it got better...warm, not hot showers....and ice packs help too....good luck...don't be embarrassed about nursing so long....hope your health checks out...let us know...

[Dnk119]

Thanks Renee. It's not too bad right now. SHe wants to nurse at bedtime so I went through quite a bit of crying. I really don't feel the pain unless I touch them-like pushing on them with my hand. Of course they are leaking not too bad. It's been about 36 hrs since I last nursed her.. So.. I think it's going well so far..Man I had that problem when I first started. It hurt so bad I had to bite down on my shirt. AHHHHHH.I don't feel embarrassed unless people act weird when I tell them. Some mothers don't go this long so I think I did good to put up with it for so long..Thanks Nicole

[arianna]

MM! Both of my boys weened themselves off the breast. I'm sorry I can't help. I do admire your perserverance breast feeding all this time. I can't believe the doctor asked you why. ! ßß!

[Diane]

I don't see anything wrong with still nursing a two year old... you shouldn't be embarrassed at all. I knew of somebody who nursed their "baby" until he was almost 4-1/2 years old... I'm sorry but I thought THAT was a little too much. She actually had to quit because he was going to start an all day kindergarten in the fall... Not trying to start a debate but when I look at how big a 5 year old is I have a hard time picturing him/her still nursing... JMHO.

Diane...

[netmechwife]

My oldest weaned himself suddenly (my milk tasted different because I didn't know I was pregnant!) He went on strike. I don't remember how long it lasted. Hot showers may actually make your breasts continue to produce milk because they stimulate the milk glands. I definitely recommend the ice packs if they are really painful. Just give it a little time.

I am so glad to hear of someone nursing longer than a year! It is nothing to be ashamed of. As far as her crying alot maybe try to start a comforting new ritual like a special story or an extra long snuggle time before bed. My 2 yo likes a tickle session with daddy or a few books with me before bed.

I hope you feel better soon and I hope your docs figure out the head pain. That would be hard to deal with. (((((((((HUGS)))))))))))