Stopping Breastfeeding

[monkey32]

I have been dropping breastfeeds and introducing more bottles for my 8wk old son. Having been happy with both he is now refusing the breast. Apart from feeling a bit rejected , I am fine with this. Only problem is that although I am expressing, my breasts are still sore and engorged. In order for my milk supply to diminish quicker, does anyone know whether it is best to express little and often or wait until really sore before expressing a larger amount?

Bf works on supply and demand so if you express, your body will produce milk as it thinks your baby needs it.

Why are you looking to stop bf?

I realise that expressing will perpetuate supply but can't just go 'cold-turkey' - would be agony and there would be the fear of mastitis.
Am stopping as fed up with really sore nipples.

it takes a while for you nipples to get used to their new job, there has been alot of research recently into the benefits of breastfeeding due to the large amounts of natural omega fats, present in breast milk and the bonding factor.

Hmm, really sore nipples could be thrush, or bad positioning. These things can be fixed, with the right help, if you want.

Monkey, it's your decision and I'm aware that you didn't post on here to be converted, but can I just say I had NO idea how much my nipples were going to hurt- and for how long! It took at least 10 weeks for me not to wince with every latch. I had it checked- all was fine, just me and my ultra sensitive nipples!
But, in answer to your question I would wait till I really couldn't wait any longer then just express enough to relieve the pain. But I have no idea about mastitis.

(Any chance you would carry on? My ds is 10m, and we would try to convert anyone- it's so wonderful! Sorry, I can't help myself...)