giving up breast feeding...help.....

[mfwmummy]

please help! just stopped feeding my 18month old and i feel totally gutted, stopped friday and my breast's are still like cannon ball's i feel so sad and feel a bit pushed into it, i would of quite happily gone on indefinently as it's the best feeling in the world and our bond was so strong i am so scared we will lose it. what can i do about my boob's, redness appearing and starting to feel itchy , really thought they would of settled by now, quite depressing as it really painfull...........

I would express just a little to take the edge off - not a full feed or it would stimulate supply, but you don't want to get blocked ducts etc.

Agree with MNN You need to pump off or put your baby back on the breast asap. How many feeds per day were you at? The choice is entirley yours, but you either need to pump a bit off several times a day to reduce your supply or feed your baby and cut down gradually.

Sorry you're feeling sad. What prompted the descision to stop?

I am winding down now (although baby is younger) - I agree with other posters, either express off the edge or get baby to fed enough to take edge off - or you may get mastitis.

For me today is day 2, and I BF at 7am and then not until 4pm (yesterday 2pm). I might still fed morning and nights for a bit (going back to work) but either way would expect it to take 2-3 weeks to wind down.

when I stopped feeding I did it very gradually - we were down to 2 feeds a day so I cut each one down by 5 mins a day and then upped by 1oz of formula ... it took about a week to get rid of each feed but my boobs didn't know any different when I didn't feed again

thankyou for all your reply's. i m just getting my head around the idea of not feeding my baby, breast's starting to ease "9 day's later" health visitor said 2 to 5 never mind, just have big milk supply did'nt think i would feel so bad! mainly stopped because of bad back and getting up at night also partner thought it would be nice to have a life. my baby does still love me and the bond is still really strong she is also eating and sleeping better so there is some plus point's. i think i have to look at it and say did'nt i do well i have the most beautiful daughter and done more than most in my circle...

:) Well done MFWM, Glad you are getting your head round it. You have acheived what you wanted to achieve. There is a lot to be said for that! Well done!