I'm having a very difficult time breastfeeding. My breasts are very painful and extremely uncomfortable. I know how important it is to breastfeed but I've had enough. I'd like to quit breastfeeding and was hoping that you're able to give me some tips on how to stop immediately. Thank you for your time.




 

Amanda,

It really sounds like you are not enjoying breastfeeding! I really urge to contact a mother-to-mother support group in your area for support and encouragement whether you want to continue or wean. Jasmine is approximately 8 days (I am assuming) and you are still uncomfortable so this is something that needs to be looked at by a Lactation Consultant. The first 2 weeks can be the hardest for many mothers and you are almost there!

Before you make the final decision to wean Jasmine, see if you can find someone locally to help you deal with what ever is going on. In the mean time, it is important that you wean Jasmine (if this is your decision) slowly from your breast for both your comfort and hers. Continue nursing her 8-10 times in a 24-hour period for a couple of days while you pump your breast to stock pile some breast milk as you try a formula that is recommended by your doctor. The reason why it is recommended that you have some breast milk on hand before starting on formula is just in case Jasmine is allergic to formula especially if there are any allergies in your family or your husband/partner's family. When you start weaning you want to do so gradually to avoid any breast infections. Eliminate one nursing at a time while supplementing that nursing and pumping your breast only for comfort. Wait two days and eliminate another nursing and so on.

Amanda, many mothers feel the same way you do in the early days postpartum and these feelings are all right to have. Motherhood is very hard, regardless of how we feed our babies. The first few days postpartum are very hard on new mothers, share your feelings with someone close to you.

You are a wonderful mother for having such a desire to give Jasmine the best of you, and you are doing it despite the pain and discomfort that you have. Sometimes the discomfort is something as simple as positioning of the baby to your breast, but if Jasmine has been sucking everything and anything she could get her hands on while in utero she may be causing you a lot of unnecessary pain. Breastfeeding is not suppose to hurt! I usually tell moms that if they have pain for more than 48 hours, they need to be seen so that the baby's suckling can be evaluated. Please think about having someone see your baby. If there are no Lactation Consultants in your area call 1800LALECHE for a Leader in your area. Many Leaders do home visits and may be able to find out what Jasmine is doing to your breasts. If your breasts are very painful, ask your doctor if you can take Ibuprofin.

Yvonne C. Bannister, B Sc, CBC, LLLL, IBCLC





 

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