Losing my mind, need to stop expressing milk

[Babyoftheyear1991]

Please please help. I tried breastfeeding, it did not work for us. But I was keen to express for a little while so baby could have my milk from a bottle.

But I'm trying to stop and nothing is working. On the advice of the midwife I've tried everything - spreading out pump sessions, pumping for less time, giving baby some formula feeds. I've tried standing in the shower and letting it run out.
I'm so sore and if I pump and get them down a bit they're nearly engorged a couple of hours later. I tried pumping just enough to reduce engorgement, that doesn't work.

I've slathered them in nipple cream, used vaseline on my nipples, those little silver cap things, hot compresses, painkillers, massaging.

Nothing. Works. Great that baby has had lots of my milk and I'm so pleased about that, but I need this to stop, I've expressed 150 oz since last Sunday alone. I'm finding it all-consuming and completely soul-destroying. Please has anyone got any more advice to offer?

How long have you been expressing for? How old is the baby?
You could try taking a decongestant, this can reduce milk supply.

No time at all, she's 10 days old today. I know that sounds ridiculous but I have a history of depression and PND and worried this is going to send me down that road again. I just want to enjoy her and this is taking over.

I breastfed for ages and the only bit I hated was when I expressed. It was dreadful. Physically my breasts kept getting painful and engorged (they hadn't done that since the early days), emotionally I felt so out of sync with baby. If you can, I'd try breastfeeding again but without expressing. I was so relieved when I did this. Such a relief. Sorry you're going through this and sending love. ❤️

Sorry you’re having a tough time, I agree with @Igmum maybe try breastfeeding again if you can.

If you really want to stop then it’ll take a little while for your supply to reduce, but you will get there, I think you might have to just tough it out for a week or two, gradually reducing bit by bit. For eg if you do half an ounce less at each pump today and then an half a once less tomorrow and so on you will get there eventually.
Try to pump less in the evening/ night as this is when supply is established. Also do try the decongestant.

I think at 10 days your supply is just getting going so it’s pretty normal to be engorged whatever you do.

Good luck op and lots of love to you

Slightly extreme option but decongestants like lemsip help dry up all body fluids, including milk. Tight bra, cold compresses - not hot - and cold cabbage leaves all help. Also avoid hot showers as that'll stimulate more milk. It does take a while though and most people drop a feed every week to avoid the hormone crash and the physical discomfort.

If you're really struggling your GP may be able to prescribe meds to dry it up too.

Hope you're able to find a solution and congrats on your new arrival.