what to do for breast tenderness?

Question

I had my first child 3 days ago, i am not nursing due to school and work, there is no feasable way for pumping to work. My milk came in last night I am fully engorged and wondering what to do to speed up the process of drying up. and something for the pain.

Answer 1

cabbage leaves work wonders. don't lay in hot water as the heat stimulates them try wear loose clothing 2 .

Answer 2

There's not much you can do except wait it out. Definitely don't try to express any, and keep those babies out of streaming water like a shower. If you end up letting down any milk it will only lengthen the time it takes to dry up.
I kept on super tight sports bras, and an ace bandage to keep them as firm as possible. Then you can use a bag of frozen corn or peas to help ease the pain. I was told to use peas or corn since the bag will conform to the shape of your breast.
Good luck! I hope you get some relief soon!

Answer 3

I know exactly how you feel, I was there 3 months ago with my third!!, I did feed at first, but when I was ready to dry out I left my bra on at all times!! I also put cabbage leaves on my breast(sounds weird) but believe me it works!! I would put chilled cabbage leaves on my breast, then have my nursing pad, then my bra!! I think about 4 days it was gone!! Don't stimulate them at all, keep a tight bra on, and when you take a shower keep your back turned!! Just hang in the sweetie it will be over with soon!! Oh if you catch a fever take Motrin or Tylenol

Answer 4

There is a pill you can request that will help your milk dry up. You can express some to reduce the engorgement. You can also try ice and or heat packs.

Answer 5

Don't express or pump--any nipple or breast stimulation will prolong the process. To deal with the tenderness--cold is usually best--a cold shower, cold compresses, or, and this will sound a bit crazy, get a head of cabbage and peel some of the leaves, put them in the freezer for a bit and then put them in your bra--works wonders!!

Answer 6

You can wear cabbage leaves in your bra, to reduce swelling and tenderness, AS LONG AS YOU R NOT ALLERGIC TO SULFA/SULPHER. Also, you can wear a snug fitting bra. And finally take a warm shower and if some expresses a little bit it is okay. Just don't pump and such, or more milk will come in. And you can take Motrin or Tylenol.

Answer 7

My sister is an RN and she says to take Benadryl. Anything that is an antihistamine will help dry up the milk. You can also get a shot from your physician I believe.

Answer 8

Honestly, like a few people have said.. cabbage leaves work!
It's a little weird at first.. but they work, and it feels great. I just went through this.. and my grandmother actually told me about using cabbage, and I laughed at her, but I kid you not it really felt amazing..And a couple days after I was fine.

Just try it out, you won't be disappointed.
Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 9

Try to have some hot showers,this will make it feel better,have some breast pads ready you will leak.If you can pump at least the first few days and feed your baby the colustrum and the first bit of milk that would be very good for your babe.I would put cold compress on after your shower,that will also help.Good luck and please try to give your babe that first bit of goodness please.

Answer 10

The cabbage works great. Also wear a wireless bra, like a sports bra to keep them tight against you, helps relieve the pain. I wore my sports bra all the time, only took it off to shower and wash it, I wore it to bed, once it was off, they were painful, so I just kept it on till I dried up.