AboutSue Ennis Expertise I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed.
My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.
Experience I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.
Education/Credentials I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.
Question I breastfed my four month old exclusively up until 2 weeks ago. I started supplimenting with formula. In four months I have had mastitis three times. I went back to work and breastfeeding was impossible. I was killing myself trying to keep up with my daughter. I was not making enough milk to satisfy her hunger.took reglin to try and increase my milk,but did not work. This is my second child. No problems breastfeeding my first. Right now I am on two antibiotics for mastitis. Had to stop breastfeeding. I feel like my breasts are going to pop. Tried to express in shower to releive,but nothing came out and it was extremely painful. Tried cabbage,made me bleed. What can I do? I'm miserable?
Answer Hello Whitney. Many thanks for submitting your question and there are a couple very critical things you'll need to do to eventually stop your breastmilk production. First, you want to restrict the movement of the breasts as any friction will stimulate the milk production cycle and any amount that is expressed or relased can trigger the production to replace that amount. The second thing that will help is to apply cold compresses as that will work to constrict the milk producing membranes. You mention the cabbage leaves, but there are a few other things to try as well. So using what you have, you may want to wear a tight (not binding) bra or sports bra solidly for a week or two to limit the movement. Also apply cold compresses for about 20 mintues 3 times a day ... many have used frozen peas ....or you can use the LaMa Bra bra designed for this purpose at http://www.lamabra.com which was designed to apply the appropriate pressure and also has soft form fitting cold packs that fit into the pockets inside the bra cups. A couple weeks of this solid routine and you should give nature the signal that it can stop producing milk. All the best!
