Breast Engorgement?

Question

this is day 2 of not nursing and my breasts are still SO painful. any ideas?

i tapered off for a few days to only 1-2 feedings, i didn't stop all at once!

Answer 1

You need to slowly wean, just eliminating one feeding every 3-5 days or so. Weaning all at once can cause really bad engorgment and is hard on both mom and baby.

Cabbage leaves in the bra can help.
Ibuprofen can help.
Cold packs can also help with the swelling.

ETA:
Why do people always think you should use heat when you are engorged? That is WRONG. *****Just like if you had swelling in any other area of your body, you need COLD to help relieve the swelling.***** *IF* you were engorged *AND* you were still nursing *THEN* you would apply heat right before nursing to soften the breast and get the milk flowing. Since this mom is weaning she doesn't want to get the milk flowing! You use COLD between nursings for the swelling OR if you are trying to wean.

Answer 2

Depends on why you are not nursing. If you are switching your baby to formula you should be doing it slowly. You wean over the course of a month or so by gradually reducing the number of breast feedings .... gradually and slowly are the imporatant words here! If you must stop suddenly and completely than gently hand expressing JUST enough milk for a bit of relief under a warm shower or in a warm tub will help. The breast takes a bit of time to realize demand is down (about 24hrs) and takes some time to shut down milk production. By expressing small amts. and gradually reducing you sort of simulate weaning and it is much less painful. A glass of wine or a beer can help if you have trouble "letting down". I had to do this myself due to a sick child who could not nurse and it helped a lot.

Answer 3

you should take some Tylenol and maybe apply warm wash clothes, this may help a little but you do not want to release any of your milk, it will only make things worse and take longer for the pain to go away. I know how you feel just try and give it some time. But keep a eye out for clogged milk ducts. I personally never had that problem but a friend of mine ended up with an infection from that, I believe it will be a hard spot on your breast. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

why would you wanna stop? breast feeding is wonderful and its very nutritious for the baby. like the other people say you have to do it slowly just stop the feeding not as often, i have tried what you are doing and its painful its gonna take 5-7 days of that pain but if you can take it then just leave things the way they are your half way there

Answer 5

Go into the shower and turn the water on warm...stand under it for about 5 minutes. Also another idea is a heating pad or hot water bottle. Good luck...but it might be like this for about 5-6 days. :0)

Answer 6

Cabbage Leaves: crumble them up to get the juices flowing then line you bra cup with the leaves. Within about an hour the pain will start to subside. They also help in drying up your milk.

Answer 7

ok, this is going to sound soooooo strange. but put cabbage leaves on them and wear a tight bra. i swear it works. you'll have to replace the leaves because they will wilt. it should only take a couple days to clear up. Also, avoid warm/hot water in the shower. that's helps produce/express milk.

Answer 8

It should take months to wean... your body needs the time to adjust and in the meantime, your baby will be getting the benefit of your milk.

How old is the baby?

Answer 9

cold packs, tighter fitting bras, drink peppermint tea (or eat Thin Mints) and possibly take a Sudafed or medication which promises to 'dry you up' ...thats not what their talking about ...but it works just the same.

Answer 10

wrap chest tightly with ace bandage, don't stand directly under hot water in shower feels good while you are doing it but will make you produce more milk