Need to go cold turkey from breastfeeding - tips?

[OuchieBoobs]

Hi everyone - I stopped breastfeeding today as I've had to go on medication. I know it's best to gradually stop, however I don't have any choice. It's been a hellish day with 10-month old DD, who understandably is a bit upset that her usual source of nourishment and comfort has been taken away from her. I think she'll get used to bottles of formula in a few days, but does anyone have any tips for making it easier for both of us? Thank you!

DD at 8 months, wouldn't take a bottle at all, either expressed or formula. Eventually DH said I wasn't to get near her when she was hungry, it took about 3 days, and she stopped drinking milk, but was happy to have it on cereal and in sauces.

Oh that must have been difficult, @Hadalifeonce. How did you make sure she got enough fluids? And did you put formula/breastmilk on her cereal etc. or cows milk?

Sorry you're having to go through a bit of a stressful time!
This probably isn't very helpful but I went cold turkey when my 11 month old was on two feeds a day (I wanted to stop at 12 months and after a weekend away, he seemed ok on the bottle so I didn't see any need to carry on for another 4 weeks). He coped fine but I felt quite strange for a month afterwards. Like early pregnancy symptoms of exhaustion, weird crampy dragging feeling, a bit nauseous. I did a couple of pregnancy tests even though I was pretty sure they'd be negative! It could have been a coincidence but it felt hormonal rather than an illness. I'm just saying this in case you have the same! It took me a while to figure out what was going on.
Good luck and I hope all goes well with your little one getting used to the change!

Try changing the routine, do something different, like swimming if you're up to it, so they are more tired and might settle quicker. Can anyone else put little one to bed, just change it up for a few days and then hopefully you'll have broken the pattern?

We just made sure she drank lots of water. We tried both breast and formula, she wouldn't take either, so we gave cow's milk.

I'm sorry, that's so difficult. Lots and lots of distraction and if you have anybody supporting you then lots of snuggles from them.

Are you happy to share information about the medication and who has advised stopping? I only ask because there is a lot of misinformation around and it is not uncommon for breastfeeding mothers to be told they have to stop when they could have continued.

For you - plenty of warm baths, deep enough to cover boobs. Try not to express as that will keep supply going for longer. Disposable pads so your DD can't smell the milk, and plenty of distractions - of the fun and comforting kind

Sorry that sounds stressful. My only tip is that if you’re used to her falling asleep at the breast and she’s not falling asleep because she’s not getting that is to take her for a drive. I managed to get my son to stop breastfeeding by going car journeys. Obviously you eventually have to stop them but it really helped to cut breastfeeding.

Unless you have liaised with the pharmacist at breastfeeding network and/or specifically read on their that your medication requires you to stop, don't! Very few professionals even those in maternity know anything about breastfeeding and drugs.

But if you have double checked with the above then my advice is continue to hand express every few hours when full. Do lymphatic drainage massage several times a day. You're at risk of mastitis unfortunately.

Have you checked the drugs network factsheet to be 100% sure weaning is required or that there isn’t a different suitable medication?

If you have checked these then only express for comfort don’t express any more than that or you’ll keep producing. Some ice packs wrapped up or the classic cold cabbage leaves will help with any inflammation. Either give baby extra cuddles or let her dad or other caregiver give extra cuddles maybe in a carrier etc if you have one, whichever suits your baby, as some babies might get more frustrated to be with their mum but not be able to feed. Try her with a small cup or sippy cup, she doesn’t have to drink from a bottle at all especially at 10+ months.

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/

This is what we're referring to

Have you contacted the drugs in breast milk service for advice? There is a Facebook group for GPs which also gives them advice as many women are given incorrect advice to stop. My relative is a doctor with a particular interest in bf and she said that pretty much the only thing you have to stop for is chemo (god I hope you don't have that). Obviously I'm not a doctor or any kind of medical professional just an internet random.
I found the Facebook group breastfeeding the younger baby and beyond great.
You can do stuff like wear a high neck top to make your boobs out of sight. Ask about meds to dry your milk up quickly so baby can't smell it. Get support from other caregivers such as dad who baby doesn't associate with milk. If you have a special chair you sit in to feed don't sit there.
Do your other special things with baby like reading and going to park and whatever your favourite things are that you two enjoy together to focus on your bond away from milk.
If you normally feed to sleep let dad do bedtimes for now and go for a walk or something so you aren't available. If you Cosleep put him next to baby and wear high neck pyjamas while your milk dries up.
I'm so sorry you're in this situation and I hope your health is ok, however hard this is remember your baby needs a healthy mum xxx

Sorry you are going through this. Worth a check as there is some poor advice out there which is often given without an understanding of how hard it can be on you both. Don't forget your own comfort- you will likely need to express a bit of you do need to stop, you don't want to risk mastitis.

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/

Have you checked the information you've been given is correct? Doctors are often misinformed on lactation and breastfeeding. It would be worth contacting the Breastfeeding Network, they're the experts on medication when feeding. It's run by a pharmacist and lactation supporter.

Oh I didn't anticipate that, @neverwakeasleepingbaby, but good to know, thank you. I guess it makes sense - there will be hormonal changes.

@OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea and all the others who have very kindly advised me to check whether it truly is necessary to stop BF - unfortunately there's no doubt, I didn't take the GP at his word because honestly I think he knows very little about women's health and basically always takes the cautious route. I did my own research, and the information I found indicates that the meds would enter the milk at harmful levels. If there was a way I could continue breastfeeding, I would. I fought hard to get here! The silver lining or comfort I'm taking from it is that DD will be better prepared for nursery.

Thank you for all the tips - I'll follow your advice.