Expert: ruth kraft - 12/15/2010

Question
hi, i was breast feeding for 20 months and suddenly decided to stop yesterday, my baby sleeps with me and i nursed her anytime she wants, i also give her formula since she was 2 mos old but she mostly defended on me especially at night. she is with my parents right now so i don't give in to her, visited her today and she seems to be coping well,didn't even bother to touch my breast which she normally does when she wants to be nursed. problem is i am in a lot of pain now,my breasts are rock hard and i felt some bumps around the nipple and near my armpit.. i wonder if there is a medication that helps for the milk to dry up faster..it leaks and i put it under the cold shower for a few minutes,,is that okay? pls help,,

Answer
Sudden weaning is hard for your body to adjust to quickly. Take fresh cabbage leaves and put them inside your bra while and wear it like that until they wilt. then do it again. Drink some sage tea as well. This will help the milk dry up.  If you want to hand express milk into the shower while to relieve some pressure you can. Just don't express alot or it can make the issue worse.

I hope that helped!