In agony and wanting to stop (milk blister)

[NewbieT]

Hi,

I have shooting, searing pain in my nipple from what I gather is a milk blister. I have got to the point where I want to stop BFing (baby six months old, got through loads of pain and problems in the early weeks but now I've had this agony for weeks and really feel I've had enough).

I just don't know how to stop, though. If I don't feed much, I'm in pain with a lumpy boob and the next time I feed, the pain from the milk blister is worse. But if I carry on feeding often, I'm in constant pain (as the worst of the post-feed pain lasts for a few hours so rolls onto the next feed) and the milk production will keep going.

Feeling caught in a vicious circle and really need advice on what to do, grateful for any suggestions!

Well done for continuing as much as you have.

It will take a little time to lower your milk supply so I would just begin to try and get your baby used to the bottle, if you haven't already. Your best bet would be to start expressing as you can gradually reduce this over time. Every 2 hours, then every 3 hours and the like.

You might want to reduce your feeds down too. So you may feed every feed now as a breastfeed. You could start giving one formula, then after a few days, make it into two, then a few days later, three and etc.

Pumping will help reduce the discomfort of gradually reducing your milk supply.

I don't know if you want to stop all together, or keep a night feed in? Sometimes this feed is more for comfort and they really enjoy this one. However, that too can be taken away and replaced with a smaller formula bottle (or a large one, if your 6 month old is a big feeder before bed).

I hope that helps somewhat.

I wish you luck :)

Thank you so much for your helpful advice, much appreciated, I have managed to reduce to a night feed only now , I'm glad I bit the bullet and got through the reduction phase, wasn't too bad after the first couple of days

Thanks again,

T