So I BF DD until she was 2.2 and she was down to one feed a day and so to stop that wasn't a huge problem.
Fast forward to now. DS is 2.3 yo and is a complete milk monster. He woke every single night of his life at least two times but more recently about 6 times a night for feeding. I started back at work 4 months ago and I can't continue to function with so little sleep. BFing DS was causing me some significant problems when going away overnight with work (which happens rarely but unfortunately twice in the first two months) and on the days when I wasn't working (and for obvious reasons: DS adjusting to being away from me and at a childminders - he's happy and well settled there and a sociable bod ) DS wanted to just feed and feed and feed.
I'd tried just night weaning him but we were both finding the lack of certainty over when he could feed difficult. I was also finding myself feeling really resentful of it and just plain old done with it.
So, I thought it would be simpler for DS if I just explained that the milk was all gone and draw a line under the experience for him. And it has been simpler for him and after the first day he's been absolutely fine with it. And he's slept through the nights twice in the 7 days since he's not feed. Which is the first time in the last 2.3 years I've slept more than about 4 hours together.
The problem (sorry, I'll get to the point) is that my supply isn't showing any obvious signs of slowing. I've expressed a little bit and taken ibuprofen. I've been wearing a bra and supporting t-shirts and putting ice packs on my breasts. But I'm still sore and I'm hoping for some other guidance on how to make this a bit more comfortable; how long it will take to dry up (or at least get comfortable) and how to avoid mastisis (which I have never yet had and would really like to avoid).
It isn't an option to start feeding again because I cannot go back to no sleep and it'll confuse the bejasus out of DS. I'm not hot/feverish but one of my breasts is particularly sore and lumpy and I'm quite fed-up!!
(BTW, I knew this wasn't the ideal way to stop but it worked best for DS)