Advice needed to stop breast feeding - ds2 1 week old and developed mastitis

[TearingMyHairOut]

I have been trying to breastfeed ds2 which has resulted in cracked bleeding nipples etc and in the last day or so I have developed mastitis. I have been expressing for the past 24 hours as it is too painful to feed.
I have made the decision to stop breastfeeding as emotionally, it is doing more damage than good and I need advice on the best way to get through the next few days. Do I just accept they are going to fill up with milk and be very painful and wait for them to stop producing? Should I keep expressing a bit? What is going to be the least painful route forward from here?

Your breasts will get very full and painful. Expressing now and again will ease it a little but don't over do it as it could prolong your production. I stopped bf my ds at 4 weeks for the same reason. I leaked quite alot and it was painful. Would you consider continuing to express for ds or is it too painful? Having a warm bath/shower can help, or warm flannels. I think it took about 2 weeks before they felt "normal" again. Not much help, I know. I was very upset and cried my eyes out the first time I gave him a bottle but it was so painful. Hope it all goes OK xxx

No, you should call one of the bfing helplines. They can ensure that YOU stop in a way that is safest for YOU and help you deal with any emotions that you experience for stopping.

I really feel for you as I've just got over mastitis in one breast after the other, my daughter is 2.5 weeks old. have you got antibiotics? MW also told me to put cabbage leaves in my bra - sounds mental but she said it has been scientifically proven to work to help inflammation. Also told me to get on the ibuprofen for the swelling, 400mg every 4 - 6 hrs.
I hope you are able to stop without too much more pain.