Breastfeeding - Columbia, SC

You should see your doctor as soon as possible. It is possible that you may have mastitis. Mastitis is an infection/inflammation of the glands that produce milk in your breast. In the meantime, if your breast is sore and red, apply ice. If you do not have redness and a fever, apply moist heat. I went through mastitis when my oldest daughter, who is now 21, was a baby. It can be very painful, and if left untreated can spread to other body systems.

I never breast fed my children so I had to let my milk dry up both times.What helps me was gently message my breast and to take a hot bath or shower.My doctor once told me it could take a few yrs for breast milk to completely dry up.Just hang in there and try to releive the pressure as much a possible.I remember after I had my first son and I was in the hospital and I know this sounds gross but since I couldnt handle the brutalness of the electric pump they offer I would stand in the bathroom and literally push my breast milk into the sink b/c they hurt so bad I couldnt move my arms without cringing in pain.I hope yours is not that bad but I still remember the pain.

Hi A., I fed my baby for 16 months and I commend you for doing it as long as you did. I would suggest pumping it out for a few days and then spread out the pumpings to everyother day so it will eventually go away. I had to do that with my baby also. If you do not have a pump, you can get a cheap hand held one from Target that will do what you need it to. call me if you need anything. ###-###-####.
K.

try taking hot showers or putting hot compresses on it to soften it up and try to express it out. I had a friend with the same problem and she would not work on getting it out so she got very bad infection... so that is what her Dr. told her to do. Just to far warn you it may be painful... but it is better than an infection!

Try putting cold cabbage leaves on the hard breast. My doctor had me do this after a miscarriage, then I started producing milk.
If you start having pain, you could have a mastitus infection.(an infection of a milk gland) then you have to see your doctor.

Hi,
I am a single mom of three great kids. When I breastfed my kids, I found if you place a warm, to slightly hot compress(warm towel)over that breast for about five to ten minutes, it may reduce any swelling in that area. I also suggest mentioning what happened to your doctor.