Weaning help needed - sore breasts!

[jonesso]

My bubba has decided he's had enough breast-action and will only take a bottle now (apart from his early morning feed or any dreamfeeds). I'm fine with this, except that my breasts are killing me! They are so sore by the end of the day from not breastfeeding him. He has been on about 50% breastfeeds and 50% bottlefeeds for a while now, but now really isn't interested in the breast at all during the day. The last 2 nights I have expressed a bit to ease things but they still feel heavy and sore afterwards.

How long did the pain last for you? How long does it take the body to adapt and stop producing milk? Any other remedies I can use to ease things?

Also, this is kind of a wierd questions, but do your nipples and breasts ever feel normal again after you've stopped breastfeeding? They used to be so sensitive (TMI??) and now it's like their sensation is much duller. Do they become more sensitive again or is that feeling gone forever??? DH will be very disappointed if that's the case!! :eek:

Thanks girls.

[draught]

I think the tip is to expess a bit to ease the pressure but not so much that you are encouraging further production - so keep doing a bit each day to release it a bit. You don't want to get mastitis etc. Can't help much on the question of how will they feel afterwards as I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for over three and a half years now and suspect that they will never be the same again.... :o Hope things improve quickly for you.

[nemosmum]

Hey Sonia,

When I weaned DS I was very cautious of going slowly for fear of getting mastitis AGAIN coz it aint nice!

I would do what Draught suggested and just express (hand in the shower maybe?) to release some of the pressure. My breasts agjusted pretty easily to the change but thats becoz I did it very slowly (one feed every 1-2 weks etc) coz this is not an option for you just go slowly and it will be fine. If not talk to some one from ABA they are so helpful!

Re: sensitivity- I stopped bf about 6 months ago and my breast have been feeling normal for about 2 months now, so Im happy to report yes they will hopefully go back to normal. They are actually a little bigger then before so DH is happy :D

Good luck
Sarah

[xkwzit]

Hi Sonia
You've had good advice here, I can't add anything to the weaning discussion, but...

TMI warning here ...

My breasts are actually more sensitive than before (maybe because my previously flat nipples are flat no longer :D ). I can report great satisfaction with post bf boobs.

Cheers

[jonesso]

thanks girls!! on all fronts! :D

[tickle]

Yes, great advice...can't really add much. I am the same as xkwizit with the nipple thing. Weird huh!! :o
P.S You and Theresa looked great on the Extra thing!!

[jonesso]

Happy rady, I am still awaiting modelling contracts though... I thought they'd come flooding in I looked so radiant!!!

[tickle]

What?? They haven't contacted you yet??? :eek:
Your little man was gorgeous too! ;)