Stopping breastfeeding cold turkey

[Kieryysmithyy]

My LO is 6 weeks and due to complications we have had to stop breastfeeding and move to formula. Any advice on how to stop suddenly and not risk mastitis?

Hand express when feeling full don't leave it to go really solid for relief a few times a day it should start reducing over time.
Cold savoy cabbage leaves down the bra (it has an enzyme which reduces milk production)

I think there is medication too?

I had to stop suddenly, I hand expressed when I was feeling full but would express just enough to relieve the pressure but not enough that would equate to a full feed. It took a few days to stop producing any more but stopped any problems

How full are we talking? Is it before it gets rock hard or just when it starts to hurt? FTM here and have already had so many issues 😅 they're super sore and tender. I assume i just massage out the lumpy bits also?

I stopped at 8 weeks and literally did nothing. I made sure I took plenty of breast pads with me if I went out in case I leaked but didn't leak much at all. I felt full for about 24-36 hours which was uncomfortable but not painful. It eased up pretty quickly after that though.

@Kieryysmithyy

How full are we talking? Is it before it gets rock hard or just when it starts to hurt? FTM here and have already had so many issues 😅 they're super sore and tender. I assume i just massage out the lumpy bits also?

@Kieryysmithyy if you have lumpy bits and are sore/tender then this is sign of blocked milk ducts already which puts you at risk of mastitis.

Have a very hot shower or bath and massage and express away until softer. Massage in front of lumpy bits before massaging the lumps as well. A electric toothbrush or anything vibration wise helps break down the blocks do this under the shower or in the hot bath til your softer and in less pain. If no vibration type thing about then use a wide tooth comb. You need to sort this out quickly and remove tonight.

If you have Epsom salts and a hakaa then this also helps draw out any blocks.

Take some ibuprofen as well.

Milk production time is at its peak in the early hours of the morning so you might need to set a alarm to hand express some more off.

Should say massage towards the nipple. Also hand express when feeling heavy before tender/sore and definitely before rock solid.
You will reduce gradually over a few days

It really depends on your reason for stopping I think. Can your baby have your breastmilk? Eg could you express a few times a day, feed the baby that milk then every third day drop an expressing session?
If baby can't have your milk at all then yes just express a little bit to relieve yourself. Lanisoh ice packs could help too.