I am now back at work, and am want to completely wean my almost 1 yr old. I could still breast feed in the mornings/afternoons if I wanted to, but to be honest, I've done my duty and don't feel guilty about my choice (so no negative remarks pls).
Anyhow...I've succesfully elimated all the 3 day feedings, and am on the last feed of the day (bedtime). Last night was my first attempt at skipping that one, my left breast is dry (and small), my right breast on the other hand is signifanctly larger, it's rather engorged, and is starting to be painful(but it's still early in the day).
After all that, I'm wondering if you used warm or cold compresses to relieve the "swelling" ? Some people say pump a bit to relieve the pressure but is that the best way to go ?
How long did it take for your chest to be of normal proportion ? Will the uneaveness of the sides go back to how they were before ?
Thanks
2007-01-29 02:31:18 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Warmth increases blood flow to the area. Use a warm compress if you want to try to pump or hand express *just enough* to relieve the pressure.
Cold is for the swelling of engorgement, just like putting cold on injury to keep it from swelling.
Ibuprofen will also help with the swelling. And putting cabbage leaves in your bra.
2007-01-29 02:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't breastfeed nearly as long as you..so kudos...but when I did stop breastfeeding it went away within just a few days. I don't know if the amount of time you have breastfed makes a difference. But I wouldnt pump...it will encourage your breasts to make new milk. Just squeeze the nipple a little bit to let out just a small amount..it relieves some pressure. It will still be uncomofrtable but not as much. Just let your milk dru up. I think there is a medication that speeds things up if you want to talk to your doctor.
2007-01-29 02:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by Farah G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just pumped a little out until just so I could be comfortable, but not nearly enough to make the body think milk was in demand.
After about a week of this, I might still get milk if I squeezed but nothing leaked. After two weeks, totally dry.
PS congrats on sticking it out that long while working- the most I could do was 3 months!!
2007-01-29 03:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by Sweet Tooth 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you can use warm or cold packs to help relieve discomfort. if you pump a bit, it will relieve the pressure, but it will also keep your supply from drying up. your body sees pumping the same as a feeding. there is no way to tell when they will be back in proportion. i'm assuming it will be as soon as you right side dries up, but there is no time limit for that.
2007-01-29 02:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by redpeach_mi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kudos to you for lasting almost a year! Great job! I would recommend getting some black walnut extract at the health food store. It will help dry up the rest of your milk and should alleviate the swelling.
2007-01-29 02:39:12 · answer #5 · answered by Hope C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a cabbage leaf around it to help dry the milk. Put ice paks on it. Warmth will only make more milk come in. It should go down in a day or so.
2007-01-29 02:38:57 · answer #6 · answered by ncc742 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would express some, just so that you are not uncomfortable, and try putting a cold cabbage leaf in your bra.
If you do breastfeed today offer the left one first. It may seem counter-intuitive but it should help even things out.
2007-01-29 02:56:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋