how long does it take for the milk in my breasts to dry up?

Question

I stopped breastfeeding today, and my boobs hurt like hell, how long does this pain last?

Answer 1

Usually, the breast pain from weaning/stopping (giving up breast feeding), passes in a few days. The drying up of the breast milk is an entirely different situation and varies from person to person. Breast milk can be expressed for weeks, and even months, after ceasing breast feeding. Leaking is also common early in weaning, but stops when the breasts adjust. The slowness of the process can be upsetting but patience is required.

Answer 2

I had the same problem. I tried to breastfeed for 2 weeks after my baby was born and had a horrible time. I couldn't do it anymore and decided to stop without weaning. I know exactly what pain you are experiencing, and althought it hurts like hell, it only lasts for like 24-48 hours. I don't know about what one of the other people said, but what I did and it helped was to take a nice warm shower and hand express just enough milk to relieve some of the pressure. You don't want to express much because it will make you keep producing, but it's ok to express a little to reduce pressure. I also tried putting ice packs on which also helped with the pain if you can stand the cold! Hang in there, it will be gone soon. Your milk will still be there for quite a while...I quit breastfeeding 4 months ago, and if I tried, I could probably still express some milk. The engorgement will go away soon though.

Answer 3

It will be a couple of days before the fullness goes away. Perhaps you can wean your baby instead of cutting cold turkey. This will give your body time to adjust and reduce the volume of milk being produced. If you insist on cutting cold turkey, take some Motrin and wrap an ACE bandage around the girls for at least 24 hours and do not stimulate them in any way (shower, sex, etc)

Answer 4

If you are in pain, your body is trying to tell you that you weaned too suddenly. You will probably be fine in a few days, but there is a significant risk that you could develop a breast infection, or even an abscess that would require surgery to treat.

I would *strongly* suggest you nurse your baby and then wean again more gradually. It is in the best interests of your own health to do so.

Answer 5

in case you would want to save breastfeeding, save attempting. Your milk will initiate coming in back. in case you would want to get your daughter to the point of being pleased with no longer breastfeeding, attempt to replace your breast with something else. no longer inevitably something to suck on, yet even if or not it truly is a juicy cup, or water...A toy ought to artwork. My son went by the weaning at 16 months and we are nevertheless engaged on it...yet, he's doing so a lot more suitable desirable. It in basic terms takes time.

Answer 6

Mine only hurt for the first day, after that I started spraying for a day and a half I thnk, and then they stopped all together. So about a week total. Try some wet cabbage leaves. It feels kinda gross but it has an amazing soothing effect!

Answer 7

its probably better for you to wean your baby than go cold turkey. but if this is what you wish, I would put on a tight bra, rap your breasts with an ACE rap. this will help to keep your breasts from telling your brian make milk to feed baby. also it will help you from getting rock hard. Don't stimulate them in any way. you can also try Ice packs under youir arm pits, this should help too. good luck to you. hope this helps.

Answer 8

Mine hurt for 2-3 days. Try putting cabbage leaves in your bra...its helps relieve the pain.

Answer 9

I just had a baby 11 days ago! Take cabage and and take a fork and rake across it to let the juices come out then put in your bra and wear it. I only had to do this once! Make sure u score it with a fork or it wont work! My fist mistake!

Answer 10

I think mine hurt badly for about two days, and then gradually felt better, and were back to within a week. Putting little bags of frozen peas in my bra helped for the pain.