I don't think I've ever posted here before, but here goes.
I have been exclusively pumping for about 2 and a half years for my 2 children. My first child was disabled and never latched until 8 weeks, and then she only infrequently nursed. My second child... never latched at all! Even though it doesn't seem like she is disabled. She is about 9 months.
I got pregnant with my second child when the first was 9 months. My supply significantly dropped, and I also got sick and stayed sick for 3 months, so my lactation naturally just stopped, I didn't have to try. (I kept trying SO hard to pump but I was making -no-milk once I got pregnant.) The milk came right back easily when I had my second.
I make copious amounts of milk, supply has never been an issue. Oversupply maybe has been an issue.
I have been having recurring plugged ducts in the same spot this time around, especially for the past 3 months. I have tried doing some hand expressing lately to help completely empty out the ducts, which seemed like it may have been working, but I may have been squeezing too hard. My boob is SO SORE NOW. And every time the boob fills back up, it feels like a knot in that same place. I keep trying to pump and I can't seem to get the area emptied out. And it is too sore to touch to try to squeeze any out - and I wonder if squeezing was making it bruised/worse.
So... basically. I am at the point where I am ready to stop pumping and start switching my baby over to formula. I gave it a good 9 months and I'm happy with that. I have a disabled toddler running around and work full time and just can't keep pumping. But I don't actually know how to quit pumping, or how to get rid of this painful plugged duct (or abcess or mastitis? I don't have a fever but I do feel like crap.) Last time my milk just stopped naturally.
Advice on handling the issue and on how to stop EBPing when you have copious supply that doesn't naturally dwindle? I can still easily pump 30 ounces a day.
I don't have an OB anymore. If I need to see a doctor in case of possible mastitis or abcess, should I go to a regular practitioner, or find an OB?
Do cabbage leaves help at all with plugged ducts? I have heard they are good for reducing supply but have never used them.
Thanks,