How long do you continue to produce breastmilk?
I had my son July 29th and I decided not to breastfeed. Well I had to use a breast pump a few days after he was born due to engorgement. I pumped about 2oz to or three times and I no longer had to use the pump. Well I am continuing to produce milk and I was wondering how much longer this may last. I'm using nursing pads and my breasts are sticking to them. I'm hoping that this will end soon and I was hoping someone would be able to help me out! How much longer can I expect to leak breastmilk???
Update:And I don't need a lecture on why breastmilk is better than formula. My choice to use formula is a personal one and I would appreciate it if that were to be respected.
Thanks!!!
Comments
from kellymom.com:
What are cabbage compresses used for?
* Engorgement.
* Extreme cases of oversupply, when the usual measures for decreasing supply (adjusting nursing pattern, nursing "uphill," etc.) are not working
* During weaning, to reduce mom's discomfort and decrease milk supply.
* Sprains or broken bones, to reduce swelling.
To use cabbage leaves:
* Green cabbage leaves may be used chilled or at room temperature.
* Wash cabbage leaves and apply to breasts between feedings.
* For engorgement or oversupply: Limit use as cabbage can decrease milk supply. Leave on for 20 minutes, no more than 3 times per day; discontinue use after engorgement/oversupply subsides.
* During the weaning process: Leave the leaves on the breast until they wilt, then apply new leaves as often as needed for comfort.
Milk is produced on a supply and demand system. As much as you pump to relieve engorgement, your body will produce that much the next time.
If there isn't a time where the baby gradually drinks less and less, you just have to wear a tight sports bra, to discourage production, and bear it and leak for a few days until your body gets the message that it shouldn't be producing. Pumping will only make the process last longer!
Since you pumped them I'd saw at least a week if not two. You gotta leave them alone. If you can get some to wrap your chest up very tightly and suffer through....your bodys gonna wanna feed the baby. It will stop when enough time has gone by. Also try to keep from stimulating the nipples as this will cause your milk to "let down" which will just make your breasts swell more.
And its your choice, breast or bottle. The happier you are then the happier the baby will be
take motrin for the pain, wrap your breast with an ace bandage very very tight. NEVER pump again.
it will take time to dry up and honestly your breast will fight it. it is nature and dont be surprised if it take a few weeks. Also dont be surprised if when the baby cries your breast leak or your milk comes in.
AND WITH ALL DUE RESPECT!!
YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP SOMETHING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN NATURALLY!!!
It's gonna take time!!!
wait, your questions is that you are basically waiting for all the milk to go away? well you have to let them DRY up. so they will get real big and hard for a couple days, do NOT pump or express the milk, and it will go away after a day or two (sometimes up to a week) hope i helped!
Why don't you just use it? real thing vs. artificial ..... ya know?
I know, it's your choice and all, but look - it's just so damn confusing.
If there were two dinner plates in front of you - one was a free Filet mignon, and one was a $20 plate of grade D taco bell meat ..... which would you choose? Pay a LOT for crap-meat, or eat the best for free? And wouldn't you be confused by anyone who chose the taco bell instead of the best, yummiest steak in the world??
It just doesn't make any sense, honey.
your breasts will continue to produce milk as long as they're being stimulated. i breastfed my second daughter for two months but i lactated for nearly 7yrs.
use cabbage leaves in your bra to reduce production - seriously.
You need to apply a cold compress to your breasts and you can even bind them which will speed up the process.
I understand you would like to be respected.....but you are producing milk for a reason...to feed your baby.