stopping BF - so sore! advice please!

[lazyhen]

After a difficult and depressing start to BF my DD, I have decided to switch to FF. I resisted it for a long time but after 9 weeks I just didn't feel I could continue. After giving her formula she seemed much happier and content which is really reassuring.

So now what? I suddenly seem to have milk in abundance leaking most of the time with engorged hot lumpy breasts. I tried to switch over in the course of 10 days but my supply seems to be increasing! I have been expressing to relieve the discomfort and today I actually 'milked' myself into a public toilet as it was so uncomfortable (DD wasn't with me).

I am in my second t-shirt since going to bed and have expressed for the third time this evening.

ARGH! Any advice welcome (although please don't say I should continue BF as after clinic visits, helpline calls and many hours in tears I don't want to do it anymore)

Have just seen sallyre's post about the same topic... Might try sage!

Hi lazyhen, as hard as it might seem just persivere(sp?).

I'm not a pro at this but have done it once, try not to express any milk because your body will then make more, what I use to do is get in a hot bath and stick my boobs under the hot water that way there would be some pain relieve and you would naturally release some milk. Other than that just drink paracetemol and pereservere.

It has been about 9 months since I stopped and I can't quite remember how long it took before I stopped producing milk but it will eventually happen.

Good luck, I do hope someone else will see this that has done this more resently and can give you more advice.

My friend gave up bfing at 4 days - she put some cabbage in the fridge, and stuffed it down her bra! She said it was lovely! Just don't put it on your nipple(can't remember why, but there is a godd reason!). IIRC she told me the pain subsided after about 3 days.
And you did a fabulous job feeding your lo for 9 weeks - well done you
Oh and take some paracetamol as well to help with the pain as well. It is also important to avoid expressing as this will stimulate your breasts to produce more milk.
Wishing you pain free norks ASAP!

He He - thanks everyone. It's so hard to resist expressing, and a constant reminder of the fact my body is trying to do the right thing for my baby but I've made the decision and will stick to it!

Paracetamol and cabbage here I come!

Rather than continue breastfeeding or giving up, why not try a middle way and express and then give this expressed milk to your baby in a bottle, so she has the benefit of your milk but you dont have to deal with the the actual process of breastfeeding.
You seem to have lots of milk and this might be a good compromise?