Breastfeeding Mom Must Stop Immediately, URGENT Advice Needed!

Updated on May 15, 2008
D.M. asks from Albuquerque, NM
9 answers

Hello!
I am still breastfeeding my 21 month old daughter, and I have to stop. Tomorrow (4-17) I am having a Nuclear Stress Test and the Dr. said that I will not be able to breastfeed afterwards for a week!
I am panicking, and I know that it will be hell for her (and me). She has never had a bottle or a pacifier, but does drink from a cup. The breast is mainly at nap time and bedtime for comfort, but I do still have milk. I don't pump and never have, it just doesn't work well for me. Another problem is that she co-sleeps with us so I am always there next to her in the night.
Hopefully some of you have been there and can give me some advice! I'm on edge about the whole stress test, and worrying about my "baby" is just adding to that!
Thanks!

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J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

As for not breastfeeding her for a week, it should only be a day or two of crying, before she realizes that she is going to have to wait. It will be hard. I weaned my daughter at your child's age and it was not fun. Some suggestions I have are:

Wear a sports bra. It will be harder for her to reach in and try to get to your breasts. Wear it at night too!

Since you are co-sleeping face the other way. Hold her close to your body and against your chest and gently tell her, "No, booboo (or whatever you call it at your house) today, you can have some later." I had to do this with both of my children when I was weaning as they co-slept too. My husband and I just kept soothing our children and telling them that we loved them. IT WAS traumatic, but we did survive.

When I had to wean my daughter I gave her a pacifier. It wasn't the ideal situation or choice, but I was at a loss as to what to do. She hadn't had one since 9 months old. That was definitely a big help. I also gave my children a lot of yogurt, cheese and lean meats when I was weaning so that they got enough protein and calcium since they were not really into milk in a cup. I hope this helps,I know you are not weaning, but you might have to have it in your mind that you are.

Unfortunately, my friend had to do this with her daughter for a medical procedure and her daughter ended up weaning. Just a thought, prepare yourself for everything:) I wish you the best with your test tomorrow and I hope your week isn't too bad.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.G.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm not sure you can be in the same room as your daughter as you will be radioactive for a few days. I took a test like that once when my youngest was only 7 months and i had to live in an other part of the house for a few days. It was torture! I didn't pump i just manually expressed and threw out the milk then. I had frozen breastmilk in the freezer. Luckly your daughter is old enough to eat real food. Good luck

Nuclear stress test: What to expect

What happens during a nuclear stress test?
- Peter / Wisconsin
Mayo Clinic cardiologist Martha Grogan, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer
A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It is performed similar to a routine exercise stress test but provides images in addition to electrocardiograms.

During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner — which detects the radioactive material in your heart — creates images of your heart muscle. Inadequate blood flow to any part of your heart will show up as a light spot on the images — because not as much of the radioactive substance is getting there.

There are several types of nuclear stress tests, including:

Myocardial perfusion scan. During this procedure, you exercise on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. When you reach your maximum heart rate, you're given the injection. Images are made of your heart shortly after exercise and also a few hours later. This test shows how well blood flows into the heart muscle and can detect narrowing of the coronary arteries (coronary artery disease).
Multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. In this test, you receive the injection before exercising. Images are made of your heart before and after exercise. A MUGA scan shows the motion of the heart and how well it pumps out blood (ejection fraction).
If you're unable to exercise, you may be injected with a medication that increases blood flow to your heart muscle — simulating exercise — for

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J.V.

answers from Phoenix on

I have breastmilk I normally donate to the National Milk Bank I can give you if need be. The adiri natural nurser is very breast-fed baby friendly, as it is shaped like a breast. Is there someone else that can sleep with your baby for a few nights? A family member, husband, other siblings, etc...? Let me know if you need anything ###-###-#### J.

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J.S.

answers from Flagstaff on

D.

I know it has been a couple of days, so this may be too late. But if you are having any breast pain from not nursing a remedy that really works is putting cabbage leaves directly on the breasts for about 20-30 minutes several times a day. More if you are weaning completely and less if you are going back to nursing. Something in the cabbage dries up the milk. I know it works because I use it when I have clogged milk ducts and pain from that. It helps the ducts unclog.

good luck,
J.

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K.V.

answers from Albuquerque on

Perhaps you can get some pumped and frozen milk from another mom. I know Heidi has some pre-pumped. We live on the westside and I could hook you up with a couple day supply.

Kurt
###-###-####

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T.J.

answers from Phoenix on

D.,
...so how is it going?
If you want to continue bfing, pump and dump. There's natural supplements you can take if you need help with your supply afterward.
If not - peppermint Altoids will help dry you up. Honest!
I feel for both of you. :(

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P.H.

answers from Phoenix on

If your NOT going to continue breast feeding afterwards and are concerned about the pain, I would pump just when you have to and maybe dont empty your breasts fully so that every time your milk comes in it will be less and less.
OR If you DO continue to breastfeed than pump the same hours of the day you would normally feed her and completely empty your breasts so the same amount of milk comes in next time.
I know pumping isnt for you, but when your in pain, your going to appreciate that pump, and your milk will flow but obviously throw it away until the Dr.ok's to start again
Best of Luck to you

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S.T.

answers from Phoenix on

Sorry, I didn't see this request until Friday. If possible, I heard that this was a great time to send your daughter to her grandmother's house (if possible). She may take something from someone else that she refuses to take from you.

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J.R.

answers from Phoenix on

D.- I have a daughter who is 31, with a 18 month old boy. She had a child at 17 years old who died in a car accident at 45 minutes old. She was unable to concieve for all those years, and then finally, my sweet grandson. She has been, and still does nurse him. She is a nurse, and started working about 3 months ago on tues. wed. thurs. I watch my grandson. She and her husband (13 years married), also sleep with him in their bed every night. She nurses on demand during the night, and when she gets home after work. We all know that her son has reached the point of manipulating his mother to nurse. He does not need it for 12 hours when he is with me. He sleeps great, not with me by his side. She also needs to stop this too, and for obviously different reasons. You, and my daughter's children need to sleep in their own beds, and do not need your breasts for nurturing, or nutrition. You both need a marital bedroom back. You did'nt mention your husband's opinion on this.
I am currently out of town for 2 weeks, but the day I return my grandson is going to spend a few days with me. I am sure it will be hard for both of us the first night, but I am convinced that he will be co-bed, and co-boob free within a couple days. She also will have the chance to dry up within 2 or 3 days as well.
So if you have a family member, that you can trust, and is willing to probably have a sleepless night or two, I would suggest the same plan for you.
Good Luck D. and little one.

J. R.

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