Hi there - I have been winding down breast feeding my now 16 month old for the past few months and have finished all together now. I wanted to wean very gradually in order to make it easier on my daughter and also on myself. My issue is that since finishing up the final feed (down from only one per day) last week I have had a painful lump developing in my breast that feels like a blockage. I have tried expressing some milk but it is painful and does not seem to be draining the area of the lump. The lump is soft and obviously related to the weaning so I'm getting a bit worried I'm headed toward mastitis which I have had once in the same area about 12 months ago. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I might find relief and get this lump to abate? Should I quit hoping it absorbs and head to the Dr? I'd love to hear if anyone else has had to deal with this issue. Thanks much.
Hi A.! It's D.-across-the-globe :)
I know this might sound kind of crazy, but if you can express milk or nurse (although it sounds like you're done) on "all fours" gravity might just get the job done. This worked 3 or 4 times for me with a plugged duct.... feeling literally like a cow but it was worth it. Good luck. Will be in touch later!
If you get a fever then go in. You could call the nurse line and ask if they have any suggestions. I had mastitis with both of children and they said not to pump but to hand express until comfortable. You could try heat and rubbing the area but if it gets worse go in.
Hi, A....
I just weaned two weeks ago, so I know what you're going through! I found that cabbage leaves did end up helping. I was skeptical at first--we had heard this at our breastfeeding and birth classes pre-baby and from my doc. But, it did help a ton--until I put them on, I was afraid I was heading toward mastitis, too. Buy a head of cabbage, pull the leaves off, tear off any of the big stems/stalky veins, and soak them in water in the fridge. Put one cupped around each breast inside the bra (pat dry with a paper towel first). When they warm up/start to shrivel, replace them with fresh ones. It really did help! I also took ibprofen as needed. My supply dried up within a few days after that. If that doesn't work or you start to experience fever/red streaks, be sure to go ahead and call your doc. They may have something else to help. Hope it all works out soon for you!
Blessings,
V.
Maybe heat and rubbing it will help. I've had a lump from not feeding often. Since you've weaned it's not like you can put your child on your breast and try different positions for that feeding to drain it. You may want to. If it hurts real bad I'd see a doctor or at least call the nurse.
