how to relieve engorgement?

Question

I weaned my 14 month old son a few days ago. Once he got a sippy cup of cows milk he didn't want to nurse at all and would scream if I tried to put him ont he breast. I am engorged and sore. What can I do to relieve the pain? I've been doing cabbage leaves in my bra.

I have a breast pump already. I didn't want to pump because I don't want my body to produce anymore milk. I experience let down really quickly so if I pumped it would be more than just a few drops to relieve the engorgement.

Answer 1

Keep doing the cabbages. Also tightly wrap ice packs around them. I did this and it went away in a couple days. Doctor told me don't touch the breasts until they go down and don't let warm water hit them.

Answer 2

It's kind of late to do this now, but if you have another child, try to do the weaning gradually by cutting out every other feeding until you're down to 1x/day and then 1x every two days, etc. I was not able to breastfeed directly, but I pumped for the first year. The first thing I did was that I pumped less often, e.g., if I pumped 4x/day, I cut it back to 2x/day. After my breasts got used to that (about 1 week), I took out 1/2 the amount, and 1 week later, half again, and so on until I was hardly putting anything out. It worked really well for me, and it wasn't very painful. You may be able to donate your "leftover" breastmilk, or you can just give it to your son or mix it with the cow's milk so as not to waste this liquid gold. Good luck!

Answer 3

You should buy a breast pump. The manual own should work and be cheapest since you are weaning. They sell them for a reasonable amount at walmart or target in the baby aisle.

If you express just enough to ease fullness eventually less and less will have to be done and nature will take over.

If you don't have money or time for this a warm shower and expressing some by hand may help.

Answer 4

I got so engorged I got infections in both breasts. My OB actually had me doing cabbage leaves. The key with them is that they need to be cold. The minute they start feeling warm, switch them out for new ones. You can even try putting them in the freezer for a few minutes. My OB also said no to the dryup pills. She said that they work when you are on them but the minute you stop, you run the risk of your milk coming back! No thank you!

Answer 5

You need to stand in a warm shower (as warm as you can stand it) and let the water trickel over your breasts. That will release the milk and relieve the pain. Do it as often as you need to and you will eventually dry up. Something to help you dry up faster...use a breast pump only when you become engorged. Your body will respond to that and your milk will soon go away.

Answer 6

I say, stick with the cabbage leaves. If you've been like this for a few days already, you should be almost done. When I was engorged with my 2 kids, it took about 3 days until it was gone.

Answer 7

No evidence to support the cabbage treatment I'm afraid. Express now and then to alieviate the pressure. I've read acetominophen helps relieves the pain. I occassionally used icepacks.

One last note: avoid beer! I had one Day 3 of my quiting bf'ing -- major set back! It kind of supports those outdated stories of women in hospitals given beer to help their milk come in! Strange, no?

Answer 8

You could do one of two things wear a tight fitting bra for about 3 days, even when you sleep. Or you can call up your Doctor and ask about dry up pills. Either way you probably are going to be a little sore.

Answer 9

Make that chilly cabbage, completely works for alleviating the discomfort of engorgement. do not do something with warmth, this can exhibit the milk and as you suggested which will be like telling the boobs to save generating.

Answer 10

I did the cabbage leaf thing and it worked well for me. I think I was like that for maybe a day or two. and, I agree- wear a tight bra, I wore a sports bra and it helped wonders! Good Luck!