I just recently (last week) stopped breastfeeding my son and now ever since Friday night my whole body has been aching. I have no idea if there is any correlation between the two, but that is the only thing that i have done differently. I haven't lifted anything heavy or done any unusual exercising lately. Has this happened to anyone else? Is it just my body adjusting since i have stopped breastfeeding? This is the weirdest thing....my neck, arms, legs (upper & lower), and back (upper & lower) all ache...other than that I feel fine. Any info or suggestion would be appreciated.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions/information. I actually started feeling better yesterday...the achiness just went away. To address the mastitis theory [Jennifer]...i really don't think that is it b/c i do not have any engorgement or any of those other symptoms. I did tapper the breastfeeding/pumping and did not quit cold turkey, so i really don't think that is the issue. I hope it is just my body adjusting to the hormone change...or maybe i am pregnant again, like you said Brandi; it would be a little sooner than we planned but would definately be welcomed!!! Thank you all for your help and i will keep a close eye on my situation. Happy Holidays!
It could be the flu or it could be the nursing. I got sore when I quit the first time, but then I started losing large sums of weight and hair. Within a week I was getting sick and found out that I was pregnant. I had to have gotten pregnant the week I quit or something. Just keep your eyes open, your body may just be changing as the hormones are leveling off.
I dont know if it is correlated either, but maybe you are just fighting off a flu bug or something.
Feel Better!!
It could always be your body trying to get back to normal since you stopped breastfeeding. i woiuld talk to your doctor. like everyone else it could always be the flu. i dont knwo where you are but here in manhattan kansas it is going around
You could be getting the flu. I just got over it and at first I was really aching with no other symptoms. If you start to get a sore throat or anything make sure you see the doctor because it took me 2 weeks to get over it.
J.,
Your body is responding to the changes encorded. Recommend getting plenty of rest, wear a very supportive bra, minimize stimutlation to the breast (long hot showers with the water hitting the breast). Advil will minimize aches and pain.
I remember the same thing when I quit nursing. My whole body ached but especially my neck, shoulders and back. With my son, he was 15 months and I was pregnant again. It was definately worse with him. I quit nursing my daughter when she was 9 months and I was achy for a few days with her too. I never asked anyone about it. I just thought it was hormone related. I felt really tired for a few days both times. I always felt that way while I was nursing too if I skipped a pumping time at work or something and went too long between nursing or pumping.
i think someone already mentioned this...but it may be mastisis (sp?). watch your symptoms and call the doctor.
I think you should talk with your obgyn. Are you still taking your prenatal vitamins? I think you probably need some. But, I've never had the problem, talk to the doc
you could have a plugged milk duct from stopping nursing. Those are the key signs of that which or will (can) eventually lead to mastitis. If your breasts are very engorged then you should relieve some of the pressure the milk is putting is on them. You should never stop nursing cold turkey unless your child was already down to nursing just once or twice daily. You need to check for these additional symptoms of mastitis. Red, streaky, tender area anywhere on one or even both of your breasts, achiness all over, low grade temp. Even if you don't have the temp. (some don't run a temp) If you have those symptoms you will need to drain the breast or breasts that is hot, swollen and red and streaky. you can use a pump. Also use very warm compresses on the affected breast that will help open up the ducts and draw the plugged up duct toward the nipple. You will need to do this for at least 24 hours. Drain the breast and compresses and ibuprofen, and repeat the cycle. If you don't feel any relief after 24 hours or so, then you will probably need antibiotics from your PCP or OBGYN. I hope this helps!!
