Help - I need to stop BF

[Curlychica]

DD2 is 7weeks old. I've had problems with pain BF from the start. I now NEED to stop - I've had enough. It's agony. I know all about latch, thrush, blocked ducts etc. I've spoken to loads of BF experts, read everything and tried treatments - nothing works.

With DD1 I had same problems with pain (everything that can go wrong I had). I managed to persevere through it and after about 4-5 months things sorted out but never to the point I enjoyed BF. this time I can't do it.

How do I stop BF as quickly as possible? I'm worried about getting engorged leading to mastitis and abcess (which I got last time). I had to get it drained on 6 different occassions it was so big. DD2 not taking bottle - have been trying in evening and husband trying too. Occasionally takes 20-40ml but as soon as teet out of mouth it does not go back in.

Please help - I'm in so much pain.

Call one of the national bfing helplines. They will support you in stopping safely.

Agree with Star, sounds like you need some RL support with stopping due to the problems you've had in the past. Try the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

Thanks - I called and was put through to a local BF councillor but she was out and answer phone said not to Leave a message!

The left breast where the pain is has red lines across it - is this a sign of infection/mastitis? Pain is over all breast and nipple - sore all the time but absolute agony when she goes on - I'm screaming and crying with the pain. Continues through feed.

Right breast is ok at the mo but filling up as I'm trying to get her on a bottle. 95% sure I want to give up. It's so emotional. Expressing is still sore bbut not as bad. Only get 30mls out of left breast.

I had awful trouble with my first for the first 2 months sounded just ike you i cried before every feed i couldn't face it! It got easier then i fed her for 18months so it can get better.

have you got a blocked duct in your left breast? lump under line? if so to relieve the blockage get shower head as hot as you can bare close to sore boob then massage breast towards nipple over this lump. even a hair brush works well stroke towads nipple. you may even see duct unblock, then feed baby/express. if you are totally sure you want to end breasdtfeeding dont stop suddenly, even if you express off each breast just to take pressure away instead of feeding that will help slow down your supply in a gentle way.

Im sure you have probably checked but does baby have tongue tie that needs snipping? could explain your pain!

oh sorry just re read and seen that you will know all that about relieving ducts.

I would slowly stop by shortening each feed/express just to take the edge off throughout the day, do you have a decent pump? maybe borrow a decent double pump just to help you through the easing off feed period (bonus is baby can get the milk). dont pump at set times just pump every time you get uncomfortable initially then cut back from this and only pump to get the pressure relieved not to fill bottles.

best of luck, sounds like your milk supply is very sensitive.

Much sympathy! Have hands full so can't do long reply but as someone who's had mastitis red lines were part of symptoms, get emergency appt with doctors for antibiotics and agree with posters advising massage etc, also cold compress(hot will get milk flowing but that won't help you stop!) and painkillers, hope you feel better soon

oh i totally agree with bobbie, when i got mastitis there was no doc appointments available but i told reception the prob and got a telephone consult and went in to collect prescription