It has been a long week…it all started with what I thought was bronchitis (it wasn’t) and now I’m struggling with very intense and searing pain from a resulting rib injury. I’ve been coughing like crazy at night so my doctor has me on a lot of medicine to help prevent further injury to my ribs so I can heal. I can’t remember the last time I had a cough, so this timing sucks…but I’m just trying to manage day by day.
At this point, I’m pumping and dumping and have been for well over a week. When I was sick throughout Harper’s first year, I would either avoid taking medicine or only take medicine that was safe for breastfeeding. I absolutely loathe pouring milk down the drain, but Kevin reminded me that I need to take care of myself to be able to take care of Harper and he’s right. So since I’m trying to wean from pumping anyway, and I need to take strong medicines, we’ve been using the freezer stash which was our original plan for the month of May anyway. Soon, we’re going to introduce whole cow’s milk into Harper’s bottles so we can transition her before we travel.
Speaking of weaning, it’s not going very well. I’m still pumping twice a day and producing around 20 ounces, which I need to get down to zero ounces in like, 10 days. So far I have reduced pumping sessions to 10 minutes (down from 30), pumped only every 12 hours and wear tighter sports bras at night and sleep on my stomach a bit. My supply has gone down a bit, but not drastically. I also continue to get plugged ducts which is unfortunate when you’re trying to wean because you need to remove the plug to feel comfortable/avoid infection/mastitis. My next step is to reduce pumping sessions to where they’re for “relief only” (hopefully less than 5 minutes) and then to get down to just one pumping session per day. I need to be on a plane soon, and there’s no way I’m bringing a pump with me. If y’all have any tips, please leave me a comment!
Now that I’ve whined sufficiently about health-related things, let’s get to the good stuff— my friend’s twins turned one this weekend and we had a blast at their party. Harper and the twins are 10 days apart so it was a little emotional watching them turn one knowing that we are just around the corner from that milestone.
Later that night, I finally (finally) got to some of the DIY crafts I’m planning for Harper’s first birthday party. I’m so happy with how everything is turning out so far and can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Below are some unfinished items I’m working on to give you a sneak peek!
…and this is what my house is going to look like for the foreseeable future… and yep, there’s glitter everywhere…wheeee!
Today I spent the morning taking is easy so my ribs could rest and then I headed out to Arne’s to pick up some things for Harper’s party. Then Megan and Olivia visited later this afternoon and Harper and Olivia had fun running around, eating goldfish and stealing each other’s toys and sippy cups while us mamas chatted and laughed at their sweet little antics.
Then auntie Candice stopped by for a visit to hang out and help with Harper’s bath and bedtime and then we had some girl catch-up time when she was fast asleep. The perfect way to end a weekend!
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend!
Oh no poor mama!! I think you've earned a little whiney!! Hang in there! Im loving your party planning updates, cant wait to see the final product.
So amazing that you made it an entire year pumping! Congrats!! I know all about the clogged ducts and they are awful. I weaned when my little one was 13 months and I got clogged ducts all over my right side 10 days after the last time I breastfed. I definitely thought that I had dried up, but I realized I hadn't after the pain started. I eventually got it to go away, but I realized that I probably hadn't weaned myself enough. (Who knew it would be so much work?!) I had gone from nursing twice a day to none at all. Looking back, I would have gone down to once a day for a week or two before completely stopping. Good luck! And almost Happy Birthday to Harper!! It's amazing how quickly it all goes.
Sounds like an awesome weekend and I hope you start feeling well soon! Do you mind sharing where your hat is from?
Place chilled green cabbage leaves to your breasts for 20 minutes, 3x a day. This will help relieve engorgement and reduce milk supply quickly.
This is what I did and it worked like a charm!
A friend of mine breastfed all 3 of her kids (the youngest is 18 months) and she SWEARS that sage will knock your supply right out. I remember reading something about it awhile back and it seems to be one of those crazy "home remedy" type deals that actually works. You should be able to find it in capsule form and also as a tea to drink. It might be worth a try, especially since you're in a time crunch! Best of luck!
http://www.sadieskyboutique.com
Hope you feel better mama – hang in there! And those party decorations look fab!!! 🙂
When I came to the point when I had just one pumping per a day I waited ten days and then started pumping just for a relief. It lasted five days. I was nervous, wanted to cry all the time and couldn't sleep. First two days were the worst, so my advice is when you start to pump just for relief only you should consider saturday. Go out to fresh air, don't drink too much fluids and when you are inside try to be occupied with some projects. That worked for me.
No experience personally, but Sudafed is supposed to dry up your milk. The one behind the pharmacy counter. I am looking forward to seeing more birthday posts!
Cabbage leaves in the bra? You could also try taking a decongestant that would dry you up- like sudafed or anything else glorious that is off limits during cold season while pregnant/nursing!
Dear Veronika I am sure you will be super ok for Harper's birthday! just take your time to recover, we moms are always so busy running around but think about yourself for Harper's good 😉 please can you share where is Harper's white hat from? And your nail polish?! Thanks!! Veronica
I exclusively nursed for 13 months while working full-time (so pumped a lot) and weaning was the most awful experience for me. I gave myself 5+ weeks and I still got plugged ducts and was in serious pain.
My best advice is to not rush it. Like you, I wanted to wean before a trip but had to bring my pump with me because I just wasn't there yet.
My lactation consultant also told me not to pump for relief. While it's very tempting, it just is telling your body to make more milk and really hinders weaning. I would say take your time, really get your pump times down and then just stop one day. It was painful and I couldn't wear a bra for a week (hello puffy vests at work!). I also had weird emotional issues from the change in hormones and flu-like symptoms (achy, chills, etc.).
Good for you for making it this long!
So sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well!! You'd never know from your IG photos – you're always smiling and just happy – great way to be!! Hope you feel better soon!
You might want to start taking lecithin during the weaning process. It can help with chronically clogged ducts.
Hi V – I'm currently weaning as well and what you're doing is exactly right it's just takes a few days for your body to adjust to the pumping times. I did morning and evening for a week and then one evening I decided not to pump and only pumped in the morning. I was worried about uncomfort and pain but somehow made it through the night. After that, I pumped for about a week in the morning and now I'm pumping just to get the left milk out. Last night I pumped after three days of not pumping. I guess my advice is to trust your body because it will adjust, just like when you first started pumping and you wanted to increase supply. Good luck and can't wait to see pics from Harper's party!
Vea
Have you tried the cabbage leaves in the bra trick? It sounds so weird but it's worked for several friends.
Aw I hope you feel better 🙁
xo Mel
turquoise blonde
Ouch on the ribs and bronchitis. As for weaning, I haven't done it yet, but my supply drops a ton naturally every couple of months it seems. Have you tried Lecithin to prevent the clogged ducts? I don't think it produces more milk, but I think it thins it out so it doesn't clog, or something like that?
Cannot believe Harper is 10 days away from 1! Eek! And umm, my house looked like a wreck until almost 2 months after her party. I blame it all on these DIYs. But the banner is turning out so cute!
xx Viv at JoieDeViv
What a fun weekend! I am knee deep in planning Ellies first birthday as well! Looks like we have a similar color scheme – I'm going with Mint/Aqua and Coral/Peach with some Gold touches! Can't wait to see how your party comes together!
check out my giveaways I am hosting in celebration of Ellie's Birthday: $20 shop credit to Sweet T Baby Boutique and a pair of Freshly Picked Moccs!!
atparsons.blogspot.com
weaning is painful, but took maybe 2 weeks for me. All about the cabbage. Every chance you get, stuff your bra with cabbage. the relief it gives is so welcoming and totally stops milk supply. my lactation nurse friend said there is something in chemistry of cabbage (and brussel sprouts, cruciferous veggies, etc….) that kills output. try it now! and stop pumping, you are just telling your body you need to keep creating supply.
I did not breast feed, but when my milk came in my mom suggested I take aspirin. It helped the pain. I went from feeling engorged, and I was sure my arms were going to fall off to feeling relieved after I took the aspirin.
hope you are feeling better! As far as the pumping goes…have you tried cabbage and sudafed? Can't wait to see her party, the details look fab! xo ~Jenn http://www.twobytwomom.com
I hope you aren't contagious after being around all those kids!
As far as pumping – cabbage leaves and sudafed. Cabbage leaves help the pain (seriously – as weird as it is, it really works!). Make them cold, and when they start to wilt in your bra, take them off and switch them out. Feels great. Sudafed will help dry up your supply quickly. Since you are already dumping the milk, it shouldn't matter. Get the good stuff – behind the counter!
I'd stop using an electric pump. Use a manual hand-expressed pump, and start pumping for 5-7 minutes on each side. You won't get as much out, but it will help with engorgement and plugged ducts. That, along with the cabbage leaves and sudafed should have you dried up in just a few days!
Good luck!
Don't worry Jessica- I saw my doctor and he cleared me 🙂 I've been feeling fine medically, but as a result of the coughing I injured my ribs—so illness wise I was fine but the resulting rib injury caused a lot of pain.
I have cabbage leaves in my bra as I type this, LOL 🙂
-V
hi, I just wanted to let you know that somehow there seems to be a phone number embedded in the opening lines of this post. I'm sure it was a cut and paste error or something but wanted to let you know to be able to keep that number private!
thanks that is so strange! it's not even my number! I removed it…I didn't see that when the post first published either. Odd!
I ep'd, and was prone to frequent, massive clogs, so I second the lecithin recommendation. When I weaned, I was at two pumps per day. I dropped one minute from each pump, every day. When I got down to two 3 minute pumps per day, I dropped the evening pump; a few days later, I quit entirely. Those final days were uncomfortable, but by the time I was at five minute pumps, my supply finally dropped (my output sounds like yours). Good luck!
thank you! I wish i had gotten this comment sooner—so I am down to one PPD now…but my boobs are SO hard and painful…I am using cabbage leaves to help/ I've also been taking mucinex (for when I was sick) and I'm not sure if that's helped or not. You just reminded me to take my daily vitamin so thank you!
If your clogs persist as you wean, you may want to consider going for therapeutic ultrasounds – they worked well for me!
I have never heard of this, what does it do? 🙂
The ultrasounds apparently help to break apart the clogs. I had them done for my more persistent clogs, when I started to get concerned that they might lead to mastitis, and I found them to be quite effective. I'm sure the LCs at your hospital could direct you to an experienced practitioner if you have further issues – hopefully that's behind you now, though 🙂
thank you! today is actually going better…pumped about 8.5 oz this morning and I won't pump again today…so production is definitely going down *YAY!*
My daughter's friends both said cabbage leaves in the bra as well. Sleep with the cabbage leaves in the bra and it draws the milk out so it may help with clog duct. Stinky but natural! Best of luck!
I just wanted to say Hi! I just found your blog and have enjoyed catching up. I too live in Houston, and am a relatively new mama (baby girl Hazel is 8 months). I'm already planning the weaning process for her in a few months (before some travel as well) and not looking forward to that at all. Thanks for sharing your experience and good luck with it!
Hi there! thanks for your comment 🙂 it's tough but you will get through it. Just take it slow and give yourself more time than you think you'll need!