Thursday, April 30, 2009

Parsley, Sage, and Peppermint

What about the Rosemary and Thyme?  Well I guess they aren't useful in drying up mothers milk.  But parsley, sage, and peppermint are supposed to do the trick.  After complaining to my friend P,(who had over-production of milk) about my giant, milk-filled breasts she suggested these herbs.  K went to our local herbalist pharmacy (yes we have those in our town)  to see if we could get a tea or oil version of these herbs.  But they didn't have them and suggested just boiling down fresh sage and parsley and then steeping in natural peppermint tea.  So now I'm drinking this awful concoction to slow the milk production.  I cried in the shower this morning when it started to leak out.  And it has come in on and off all day,  making a spot on my blouse.  This is so frustrating.  I ended up calling the lactation consultant to ask for help.  She promised that the milk should stop by tomorrow because now that I've been engorged for a few days without pumping or breastfeeding my body should realize that there is no baby and stop making milk.  So I'll wait until tomorrow.  In the meantime I'm to take ad.vil and continue the cold therapy. 

I did make it out of the house today.  Since we are moving we needed a permit to stop anyone from parking in front of our current house on moving day so the truck has a place.  So I went with K to do this since he has been doing EVERYTHING.  The not so nice admin person actually told me that I look like I need a nap and that I must be spending too much time packing.   I almost smacked her.  But she doesn't know.  Even still, who says that to someone?  Didn't her mother teach her that if she doesn't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all?  After that K took me to a restaurant to try to get me to eat.  I had a little bit.  But the food was just not good.  At least he ate.  One of us has to stay strong.  I will eat something.  One of our friends sent an edible bouquet.  It is really a nice gesture.  Some of the fruit is covered in dark chocolate.  So I'll go for that first.  Nothing like chocolate to mend a broken heart right.  And then there is fruit in there so that is healthy.  O.K. I actually feel somewhat hungry and this 'tea' is grossing me out so I'm going to go attack the edible bouquet. 

10 comments:

Bella said...

Why must people insist on making comments at the most inopportune times?! I will come smack that clerk for you. I hope the milk dries up soon, so at least you're not dealing with that anymore. Sending lots of thought and prayers your way.

Anonymous said...

You want me to come over there and slap her? I will, I mean it!!! Me and Andrea......
All I can say for me it was a mending process that was a one day at a time process, (((Hugs)))

janessa said...

UGH, people are so stupid, insensitive, hurtful. I'm sorry she was terrible to you.

Good for you for getting out. One day at a time, take all the time you need, but take it one day at a time....

Anonymous said...

I would hurt her for you if it made you feel even just a tiny bit better. Still thinking of you.
xoxo

Allison (Dashiell's Mom) said...

You do not know me. My name is Allison. I am a friend of Taifa (Koyn) from your ttc board. First let me say that I am very sorry for the loss of your darling baby girl. Although I did not conceive through ivf, I can relate a little. My first child, Dashiell, was still born on Christmas Day 2007 at 24 weeks, 5 days.

I know that Taifa sent you my email address. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk to a fellow angel mom. I'm also a member of a 2nd and 3rd trimester loss support board on baby center. It's a wonderful place for support and healing.

With regard to the milk production - I found that to be nature at it's cruelest. A few things that helped stop the production were keeping my breasts out of warm water (taking quick showers with my back to the water), cabbage leaves, and binding my breasts with an ace bandage.

I am now on the "other side" of my loss. I gave birth to my "rainbow baby" (a term angel mom's use to describe their baby following a loss) in December. If you'd like to read about my story and my loss, you can go to the first entry of my blog:
http://pregnantafterstillbirth.blogspot.com

I remember after I lost Dash feeling so angry that this happens all of the time. Every one seems to know someone who has had a still birth, and yet nobody talks about it. It helped me to connect with fellow angel moms and know that I was not alone.

Again, I'm so very sorry. There are no words. I hope that Dash is up there playing with Lydia and that you are able to take comfort in your friends and family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Lydia -

Allison

We have Angel Wings said...

Oh honey, I have been thinking about you a lot and wishing there was something I could do. I know there are no words or gestures that are going to make you feel better, so just know that you're loved and we're thinking of you.

Sending you all my love - from one Angel Mom to another.


T

Michelle said...

I really wish people would think before they speak. I know it has to be so tough on you especially with the daily reminder of your milk coming in. I hope it goes away and you can find some peace soon. I am sending hugs and if you need anything please do not hesitate to let me know. I know I am just on the internet but I will do whatever I can. I am sending you many hugs and lots of love!

TTC a lil F said...

I just wanted to send some love your way. I wish I knew of something profound to say. It is just not fair, and it breaks my heart. I am praying that you find a way to heal and know that you are loved by so many. debdebtx your TTTC sister

Aunt Becky said...

I don't know if this is now a moot point, but I've heard Benedryl might do the trick.

And I am just so, so, sorry. I wish I could say something better.

Jenn said...

You're probably feeling a lot better in the boobs now (to be blunt) but like one of the other angel moms suggested, I used cabbage leaves (cold and then you smush them to break the veins and release whatever enzyme helps stop lacataion) and that helped. I also took Sudafed (the kind you have to sign for cause it's got the pseudofedrine stuff in it) ever 4 hours for a few weeks. It helped shorten the engorgement (which I'm sure you're done with now) but it also helped my milk almost comletely stop/dry-up within 2 weeks post delivery.

Good luck and God bless!!!