stopping bfing suddenly

[peeapod]

so i have had to stop feeding rather suddenly and my boob is swollen and i expressed once but it just got big again. do i keep expressing and it will slow down soon or is something else better?

tia

I would only express a little to relieve the immediate pressure. If you express a full feed off then you are going to be keeping your supply up and the issue will continue. It should begin to settle down soon.

Be aware of the signs of mastitis - a general flu like feeling (shivers) and also hot red areas on your breasts. Go to the GP if you suspect it, as the sooner it gets treated the better.

Is your baby still v young, op? This is one for the midwife, if so. Suddenly stopping bf at any time after milk has come in is something that needs to be individually managed. There are very few situations outside the tragedy of a baby's death where sudden stopping is the only option. Have you had a chance to discuss things?

its not something I can go to a mw or hv with unfortunately because its mental health related and i dont feel able to chat about it to them (as they will see it as a sign i cant cope and look after my baby..)

OK - I can understand your worries about this, and your wish to keep your mental health problems private....I obv can't comment on whether these issues would mean you can't cope with your baby.

I don't think a talkboard is the right place to get help, either, though, sorry :(

CultureSucks has given you good, basic one-size-fits-all info, which is all anyone can do with the info you have given.

I hope things work out for you, in all respects.

peeapod, I would just add that the vast majority of women in the UK either mix feed with formula or fully formula feed by 6 months. Deciding to formula feed does not indicate that a woman is unable to cope or look after her baby. If you can, try not to give yourself a hard time over this. Best wishes and congratulations on the birth of your baby.