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Original poster

What do I do with my boobs?

22 replies

PantsParty · 04/08/2022 19:11

Decided yesterday to stop breastfeeding. It’s been nearly 24 hours now and my boobs are quite sore. What do I do with them? Should I express a bit or just leave them?

OP posts:
Branleuse · 04/08/2022 19:13

Offer a feed. Its not a great idea to just stop cold turkey. Its painful and you could give yourself mastitis.

MrsOwainGlyndŵr · 04/08/2022 19:14

In the olden days (1990s) they advised me to put cabbage leaves in my bra. It worked a treat!

Bangkokbaby · 04/08/2022 19:16

Could you try hand expressing just enough to give you some relief? Not a full feed though.

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Violettaa · 04/08/2022 19:16

If you want to stop, don't offer a feed. Sorry to give you conflicting advice with PP!

But if your baby isn't fussed, don't confuse and prolong things by feeding. You'll also keep the cycle of milk production going.

You can express a little to take the edge off things.

If your baby isn't taking cold turkey well then of course think again, but if it's you that is uncomfortable, it's easier to solve.

Idroppedthescrewinthetuna · 04/08/2022 19:16

MrsOwainGlyndŵr · 04/08/2022 19:14

In the olden days (1990s) they advised me to put cabbage leaves in my bra. It worked a treat!

Lettuce leaves are better. They smell less. Actually does work tho. Or stick bra in fridge.

Alwayswonderedwhy · 04/08/2022 19:18

It takes a few weeks in my experience. Just switch one feed to start of with then another a few days later and so on.

Original poster
PantsParty · 04/08/2022 19:19

Baby isn’t bothered at all! Considering it took us so long to actually get him to take a bloody bottle in the first place. I feel sad that he doesn’t care about my boobs anymore 🥲🥲

OP posts:
ChristmasSirens · 04/08/2022 19:26

PantsParty · 04/08/2022 19:19

Baby isn’t bothered at all! Considering it took us so long to actually get him to take a bloody bottle in the first place. I feel sad that he doesn’t care about my boobs anymore 🥲🥲

Look after yourself. It’s totally normal to feel sad about feeding count to an end even if you wanted it. Your hormones are everywhere right now making you weepy. Make sure you get extra cuddles, as well as some well-earned me-time, like a bath or a little lie-in.

blebbleb · 04/08/2022 19:27

Hand express enough to feel comfortable but not enough to stimulate milk supply.

Littleguggi · 04/08/2022 19:30

Cold cabbage leaves worked perfectly both times for me!

WeAllHaveWings · 04/08/2022 19:33

By the time I stopped, after he bit me badly two feeds in a row, I was back at work and down to only 2 feeds a day morning and night so I just stopped and only felt full, but not engorged, for a day or so. Reducing feeds might be the best plan, if he is not interested pump to gradually reduce supply.

chilliesandspices · 04/08/2022 19:33

I did cabbage leaves after a still birth and it did work well but was still a bit sore. In your position I'd just decrease feeding rather than give up cold Turkey.

Pipsickl · 04/08/2022 19:33

Hey OP I struggled a bit when I just stopped, so found a bit of expressing when it was uncomfortable helped me cut down more gently (otherwise they would just leak anyway 🤷‍♀️)

I also did the cabbage on the boobs thing and found it genuinely helped. I also took some normal painkillers for the soreness.

good luck

Mel257 · 04/08/2022 19:39

Tiny bit of hand expressing in shower to ease the bursting feeling and prevent infection. I also took max dose of decongestant as read that would dry things up. And I also did chilled cabbage leaves from fridge. It does pass, just not very pleasant.

Original poster
PantsParty · 04/08/2022 19:50

We have been reducing gradually over the last few weeks as he’s started nursery so has been having bottles in the day, with feeds in morning and evening and during the night. We’ve decided to night wean though so am keen to stop breastfeeding as it’s too tempting just to feed him to sleep if he wakes up where as I know going to make a bottle will be unappealing to me! My boobs feel full but not rock solid so I guess they are getting used to it anyway :(

OP posts:
NiqueNique · 04/08/2022 19:53

Yes, you should express a little bit where needed - just enough to ease any pressure and avoid infection, but not enough to stimulate more milk.

BackOnTheBandWagon · 04/08/2022 19:57

Hand expressing in the shower and cabbage leaves in your bra - those things are a bloody miracle! I also drank sage tea, although it's a bit rank tbh

Original poster
PantsParty · 04/08/2022 21:07

Does it matter what sort of cabbage? The wrinkly cabbage or the smooth green one? Am sending husband to sainsburys on his way home from work!

OP posts:
NiqueNique · 04/08/2022 22:38

Probably too late now but I used the white cabbage.

Original poster
PantsParty · 04/08/2022 22:40

No not too late he’s still at work haha! Will get him to pick one up on the way home thank you!

OP posts:
BullshitHunter · 04/08/2022 22:44

No not too late he’s still at work haha! Will get him to pick one up on the way home thank you!

Working late, he won't think straight. He may come home with a couple of melons.

Original poster
PantsParty · 04/08/2022 22:45

BullshitHunter · 04/08/2022 22:44

No not too late he’s still at work haha! Will get him to pick one up on the way home thank you!

Working late, he won't think straight. He may come home with a couple of melons.

The only melons the poor man’s been allowed near for the past year

OP posts:
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