I need some advice. It's kind of personal.
If you get easily grossed-out or if you're a guy, skip this one.
Millie has reached 6 months old.
She has a tooth.
I've always disliked breastfeeding.
These three factors have led to me deciding we're going to quit while we're ahead.
If you say it's selfish, you'd be right. I don't disagree with that at all. But breastfeeding feels like an extension of pregnancy, which means I feel like I've been pregnant the past 15 months. I can't take the medicine I need when I get a migraine (or most medicines, for that matter). I can't be away from her for more than a couple hours without feeling extremely uncomfortable. I have never been thrilled with breastfeeding, but I stuck with it this long because I hoped she'd get all the benefits that come with it (it's nuts, by the way, how much guilt is put on a mom about this). Once she got a tooth (at 4 months!), I began thinking longingly about the end. Yesterday, we had a "farewell feeding".
So here I am. Things are very uncomfortable to say the least. If you've had a baby, I desperately need advice. How do you make this as painless as possible? How do you make it as quick as possible? I've Googled my eyes out, and the only things I can find are "drink sage tea" (?) and "it's just going to hurt." Awesome.
If you have any suggestions, I would welcome them! In fact, you'd be my hero.
3 kind comments from you:
First of all, don't feel guilty. It's hard work and it's awesome you made it six months. So many people don't even try (not that I'm hatin on them either haha) And the main benefits of breastfeeding are only achieved in the first 6 months.
Anyhoo, I don't have any super wise tips, other than sometimes nothing helps but a nice warm shower. I've also read applying cabbage leaves to the breasts is an old wives remedy (but I haven't tried it) Good luck!
And the pics of your little one in the last post are ADORABLE!!!
Yeah, way to go for making it 6 months! I had all the best intentions of BF'ing my first until she was year and then got pregnant when she was 3 months, so had to stop. Now, with my second, I am already contemplating when I can stop. I totally feel the guilt even THINKING about not going all the way to a year. Anyways, I totally feel you on that!
As far as the uncomfortableness goes, I don't have much advice - all I've heard is that it shouldn't take too terribly long to go away?! Maybe some hot compresses would help?
Boiled cabbage leaves will do wonders for the engorgement if you can stand the smell. Been there, done that. You gave her 6 months some ladies wouldn't have sacrificed. Lucky lil baby girl.
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