I finally stopped breastfeeding.

sea0fyears · Jun 22nd, 2008, 08:48 PM

Well, it seems that my poor health has finally caught up to me, and after being put on some dangerous (but necessary) meds I haven't breastfed since Wednesday night. We've had to go cold turkey, and DD seems to have forgotten all about it now that I'm home.

I'm still pumping every morning just to get rid of the excess so that I'm not in pain, but otherwise it hasn't been terrible. Does anyone know of any home remedies that can help me? How did you stop breastfeeding? I've tried the cabbage thing, and cold compresses, as well as breast binding. These all help, but now that I'm home they're not very convenient. One of the moms in my playgroup said there was a drug via injection available but when I asked my nurse about it she said that it was pulled off the market several years ago because it caused strokes! Any help would be appreciated.

Mrs. MC · Jun 22nd, 2008, 08:53 PM

I am sorry to hear about your possible health concerns, however you made the right decision for you and your baby. My advice to you is that when you shower, try to not stand toward the stream or do anything that may stimulate production. I think there are pills that you can take to dry up your milk supply too, you can ask your gyn but I would run it by your primary or specialist to make sure it is not contra-indicated with any other meds you are taking. Best wishes !

twochubbycheeks · Jun 22nd, 2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sea0fyears

Well, it seems that my poor health has finally caught up to me, and after being put on some dangerous (but necessary) meds I haven't breastfed since Wednesday night. We've had to go cold turkey, and DD seems to have forgotten all about it now that I'm home.

I'm still pumping every morning just to get rid of the excess so that I'm not in pain, but otherwise it hasn't been terrible. Does anyone know of any home remedies that can help me? How did you stop breastfeeding? I've tried the cabbage thing, and cold compresses, as well as breast binding. These all help, but now that I'm home they're not very convenient. One of the moms in my playgroup said there was a drug via injection available but when I asked my nurse about it she said that it was pulled off the market several years ago because it caused strokes! Any help would be appreciated.

aww.. hope you'll feel better soon.

btw, what is the "cabbage thing" you mentioned on your post?

sea0fyears · Jun 22nd, 2008, 09:41 PM

Apparently if you put cabbage leaves in your bra it helps.

Mostly it just made my boobs clammy!

I had a stroke on Monday night and was admitted to the hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. I just got home today, after much begging on my part. This was caused by a preexisting heart condition I have that I had put on the back burner due to baby, but now that this has happened I need to deal with it ASAP. There was no neurological damage, so the biggest thing I need to get through is just the corrective surgery which will take place in 2-3 weeks. I had never planned stopping all at once, so I'm not sure what to do. We had actually started to wean and were down to just 3 feedings a day. By Thursday (when I was told I'd have to stop) I had it down to two, 8am and 8pm.

juicy couture jen · Jun 22nd, 2008, 09:47 PM

^Oh I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope you get better asap! I have introduced formula and I've knocked down the bf sessions down to night time, throughout the night, and the morning, and once before his nap! So, I don't really have much advice to offer, but I am on the same boat as you. Good luck with everything!

galligator · Jun 22nd, 2008, 11:13 PM

The cabbage actually has a chemical that can help reduce swelling, you just feel like a goof. That, cold compresses, and TIME are really the most effective at this point. Try to avoid hot showers for several days at least. My daughter couldn't take cow's milk but really took to full-fat goat's milk, so if your little one is at least 6 months hold, that's a low-allergenic alternative that you can try as well for your little one. If you have to pump, only take out enough to reduce your discomfort. Your body is supply & demand & won't quit producing entirely if it thinks there's a reason to keep making milk.

Best wishes & hope you & little one are doing well.

sea0fyears · Jun 22nd, 2008, 11:31 PM

DD is 14 months old now, so well within the weaning range. She'll begrudgingly drink cows milk, but only about 10 ounces or so a day. She's a very enthusiastic eater, so I'm not really worried about her nutritional intake. She's taking this much better than I am.

Calya · Jun 23rd, 2008, 12:19 AM

Sorry to hear about what you had to go through. Glad you are okay.
As for stopping the milk production. I would suggest going for as long as you can before pumping. As a previous poster said, pumping just enough to reduce discomfort is a good idea as pumping too much will just make the milk keep coming in.
My friend used cold cabbage leaves, as you mentioned to reduce the discomfort. That seemed to work for her.

everything posh · Jun 23rd, 2008, 01:51 AM

I'm sorry to hear about everything you are going through!!! I'm glad to hear that you are ok though!!!

Time is really the only sure fire way to stop the milk production. Is it really awful if you don't pump? I would try not to pump at all if you can stand it. You may get engorged initially, but it will go down. Warm showers are not a great idea either.

I've also heard of cabbage leaves as well. My mom had taken some pills when she had given birth to my sister 16 years ago. I don't know if they are still available though.

hope everything works out for you!

You breastfed your little one for over a year that is WONDERFUL!!!

scarlett_2005 · Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:10 AM

I'm so sorry about your health problems. I hope you feel better.

I'm about to stop giving my DD breast milk. I was reading online that sage tea helps. There's something in the sage that interferes with milk production.

Good luck!

Nola · Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:34 AM

I hear there are pills that stop the milk production. How scary about the stroke, please take care of yourself! Good luck to you!

sea0fyears · Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:39 AM

I've been pumping just the excess (not getting a let-down) when I get that really firm feeling, only because I was afraid of leakage. Now that I'm home I haven't leaked as much so maybe it was just because I missed DD.

I'm weird like that.

k2sealer · Jun 23rd, 2008, 04:20 PM

You might want to try just stopping. As long as you pump, you are going to continue to produce.

Or you can taper off the pumping. For example, pump for 20 minutes each time one day and just cut down a couple of minutes a day until you feel comfortable stopping. I was lucky. When DS was about 1 year old we were down to only nursing once before bed. So when the Pediatrician said that it would be okay to stop, I did, that very day. I never had any issues at all.

mjlover1977 · Jun 23rd, 2008, 10:11 PM

i have no advice (not being a mum and all) but just wanted to send some well wishes your way ... hugs.

Sarsi · Jun 23rd, 2008, 11:08 PM

I'm sorry about your health problems too...
I hope everything will be better for you and your DD.
Take care!!!
Hugs!!!

Jun 22nd, 2008, 08:48 PM	#1
sea0fyears Ready or not... Location: Arizona	I finally stopped breastfeeding. Well, it seems that my poor health has finally caught up to me, and after being put on some dangerous (but necessary) meds I haven't breastfed since Wednesday night. We've had to go cold turkey, and DD seems to have forgotten all about it now that I'm home. I'm still pumping every morning just to get rid of the excess so that I'm not in pain, but otherwise it hasn't been terrible. Does anyone know of any home remedies that can help me? How did you stop breastfeeding? I've tried the cabbage thing, and cold compresses, as well as breast binding. These all help, but now that I'm home they're not very convenient. One of the moms in my playgroup said there was a drug via injection available but when I asked my nurse about it she said that it was pulled off the market several years ago because it caused strokes! Any help would be appreciated. __________________ Come visit my purse collection!! (new stuff on BOTTOM of page 3) 2008 Wishlist ~ Black Prada Nylon Backpack ~ Neverfull MM in Damier (got it.. love it!) ~ "Return to Tiffany's" oval bracelet ~ Damier Speedy 30 (got it) ~ Agenda PM, style undecided ~A new Hair style. (got it.. maybe once I'm brave enough I'll post pics)

Jun 22nd, 2008, 08:53 PM	#2
Mrs. MC Member	I am sorry to hear about your possible health concerns, however you made the right decision for you and your baby. My advice to you is that when you shower, try to not stand toward the stream or do anything that may stimulate production. I think there are pills that you can take to dry up your milk supply too, you can ask your gyn but I would run it by your primary or specialist to make sure it is not contra-indicated with any other meds you are taking. Best wishes ! __________________

Jun 22nd, 2008, 09:41 PM	#4
sea0fyears Ready or not... Location: Arizona	Apparently if you put cabbage leaves in your bra it helps. Mostly it just made my boobs clammy! I had a stroke on Monday night and was admitted to the hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. I just got home today, after much begging on my part. This was caused by a preexisting heart condition I have that I had put on the back burner due to baby, but now that this has happened I need to deal with it ASAP. There was no neurological damage, so the biggest thing I need to get through is just the corrective surgery which will take place in 2-3 weeks. I had never planned stopping all at once, so I'm not sure what to do. We had actually started to wean and were down to just 3 feedings a day. By Thursday (when I was told I'd have to stop) I had it down to two, 8am and 8pm. __________________ Come visit my purse collection!! (new stuff on BOTTOM of page 3) 2008 Wishlist ~ Black Prada Nylon Backpack ~ Neverfull MM in Damier (got it.. love it!) ~ "Return to Tiffany's" oval bracelet ~ Damier Speedy 30 (got it) ~ Agenda PM, style undecided ~A new Hair style. (got it.. maybe once I'm brave enough I'll post pics)

Jun 22nd, 2008, 09:47 PM	#5
juicy couture jen Sale Hunter Location: Massachusetts, USA	^Oh I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope you get better asap! I have introduced formula and I've knocked down the bf sessions down to night time, throughout the night, and the morning, and once before his nap! So, I don't really have much advice to offer, but I am on the same boat as you. Good luck with everything! __________________

Jun 22nd, 2008, 11:31 PM	#7
sea0fyears Ready or not... Location: Arizona	DD is 14 months old now, so well within the weaning range. She'll begrudgingly drink cows milk, but only about 10 ounces or so a day. She's a very enthusiastic eater, so I'm not really worried about her nutritional intake. She's taking this much better than I am. __________________ Come visit my purse collection!! (new stuff on BOTTOM of page 3) 2008 Wishlist ~ Black Prada Nylon Backpack ~ Neverfull MM in Damier (got it.. love it!) ~ "Return to Tiffany's" oval bracelet ~ Damier Speedy 30 (got it) ~ Agenda PM, style undecided ~A new Hair style. (got it.. maybe once I'm brave enough I'll post pics)

Jun 22nd, 2008, 11:13 PM	#6
galligator Mostly Harmless	The cabbage actually has a chemical that can help reduce swelling, you just feel like a goof. That, cold compresses, and TIME are really the most effective at this point. Try to avoid hot showers for several days at least. My daughter couldn't take cow's milk but really took to full-fat goat's milk, so if your little one is at least 6 months hold, that's a low-allergenic alternative that you can try as well for your little one. If you have to pump, only take out enough to reduce your discomfort. Your body is supply & demand & won't quit producing entirely if it thinks there's a reason to keep making milk. Best wishes & hope you & little one are doing well.

Jun 23rd, 2008, 12:19 AM	#8
Calya Member Location: Canada	Sorry to hear about what you had to go through. Glad you are okay. As for stopping the milk production. I would suggest going for as long as you can before pumping. As a previous poster said, pumping just enough to reduce discomfort is a good idea as pumping too much will just make the milk keep coming in. My friend used cold cabbage leaves, as you mentioned to reduce the discomfort. That seemed to work for her. __________________ A Different Kind Of Cake

Jun 23rd, 2008, 01:51 AM	#9
everything posh Member Location: Chicago, Athens, London, San Jose!!	I'm sorry to hear about everything you are going through!!! I'm glad to hear that you are ok though!!! Time is really the only sure fire way to stop the milk production. Is it really awful if you don't pump? I would try not to pump at all if you can stand it. You may get engorged initially, but it will go down. Warm showers are not a great idea either. I've also heard of cabbage leaves as well. My mom had taken some pills when she had given birth to my sister 16 years ago. I don't know if they are still available though. hope everything works out for you! You breastfed your little one for over a year that is WONDERFUL!!! __________________

Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:10 AM	#10
scarlett_2005 Crazy 4 LV Location: USA	I'm so sorry about your health problems. I hope you feel better. I'm about to stop giving my DD breast milk. I was reading online that sage tea helps. There's something in the sage that interferes with milk production. Good luck! __________________

Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:34 AM	#11
Nola Waiting for my baby Location: Europe	I hear there are pills that stop the milk production. How scary about the stroke, please take care of yourself! Good luck to you! __________________

Jun 23rd, 2008, 02:39 AM	#12
sea0fyears Ready or not... Location: Arizona	I've been pumping just the excess (not getting a let-down) when I get that really firm feeling, only because I was afraid of leakage. Now that I'm home I haven't leaked as much so maybe it was just because I missed DD. I'm weird like that. __________________ Come visit my purse collection!! (new stuff on BOTTOM of page 3) 2008 Wishlist ~ Black Prada Nylon Backpack ~ Neverfull MM in Damier (got it.. love it!) ~ "Return to Tiffany's" oval bracelet ~ Damier Speedy 30 (got it) ~ Agenda PM, style undecided ~A new Hair style. (got it.. maybe once I'm brave enough I'll post pics)

Jun 23rd, 2008, 04:20 PM	#13
k2sealer Kerri Location: Everett, Washington	You might want to try just stopping. As long as you pump, you are going to continue to produce. Or you can taper off the pumping. For example, pump for 20 minutes each time one day and just cut down a couple of minutes a day until you feel comfortable stopping. I was lucky. When DS was about 1 year old we were down to only nursing once before bed. So when the Pediatrician said that it would be okay to stop, I did, that very day. I never had any issues at all.

Jun 23rd, 2008, 10:11 PM	#14
mjlover1977 happily in love Location: Sydney, Australia	i have no advice (not being a mum and all) but just wanted to send some well wishes your way ... hugs. __________________ my lil bag collection chloe silver silverado LV mono speedy 25 Balenciaga ink shoulder LV Amarante large cles Chloe tan paddington Chanel black mini flap Chanel black lamskin east west Balenciaga black GSH day Prada dark brown cervo lux medium tote miu miu metallic purple small matelasse MBMJ midnight terri Marc Jacobs black quilted banana hobo Marc Jacobs black icey little stam

Jun 23rd, 2008, 11:08 PM	#15
Sarsi Member Location: Bay Area CA.	I'm sorry about your health problems too... I hope everything will be better for you and your DD. Take care!!! Hugs!!! __________________ SARSI