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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

STILL engorged after trying to reduce bf for over a month...

2 replies

cobaltblue27 · 26/08/2015 15:00

I am getting SO desperate. I exclusively bf my son until he was 8mo. Since then I have been gradually reducing how much I feed him, aiming for just one feed before bed at night, and one in morning when he wakes up, and replacing all other feeds with formula. Without expressing, I am now doing this, but I am still so FULL and engorged from lunch time onwards. I can't get into any clothes (work dresses are a real problem) because of my chest, and I am desperate for this to end.

From birth, I suffered from extreme oversupply and overactive letdown, blocked ducts etc etc and had to get a lactation consultant to help. It settled, but now I am trying to wean it is just impossible. My son is a really terrible eater (still only having about four-six teaspoons of food a day on average) and so was consuming a lot of milk from me (as I can see from how much formula he has). Everyone seems to dismiss it and tells me how lucky I am to have so much milk, which I know is a blessing, but it is really painful as well. I have had severe PND, and a history of eating disorders, and so find the huge boobs thing quite disturbing. GP said to bind my breasts which I don't think is a good idea. I am eating practically a whole sage plant every day and drinking loads of sage tea which is meant to help. I wonder whether I should restrict my water intake? When will this stop? Please help. Has anyone had prolactin levels checked by blood test? I am wondering whether I have a tumour on my pituitary gland screwing up my hormones?

OP posts:
JiltedJohnsJulie · 26/08/2015 19:05

So glad you didn't follow your GPs advice, that is truly shocking.

How often are you reducing feeds? I think the advice is to drop one feed every 2 weeks to ensure that your body adjusts well. If you've been doing it more quickly, that could be why you are in discomfort.

How are you dealing with the engorgement? Are you expressing a little to make yourself more comfortable?

I'd give one of the bring helplines a call to see if a BFC has any suggestions too Smile

TheEagle · 26/08/2015 19:11

Here's some info and advice from KellyMom

kellymom.com/ages/weaning/wean-how/weaning_mom/

I'm truly shocked at your GP's suggestion, it's completely outdated and could lead to you becoming ill.

Good luck and I hope things settle down for you soon.

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