Hi! My son is 22 months old, and we are still occasionally BF, but mostly just at night or in the early morning, and not always everyday anymore. For the last couple of days, I have had this really uncomfortable sensation in my arms and hands, almost like they are waking up after falling asleep from lack of circulation. They don't actually go numb, but they feel like they're numb, if that makes any sense at all. I've also noticed that my breasts feel quite heavy and the area near my armpit feels firmer. I just read online that severe engorgement can cause swelling and pressure on the nerves, which can lead to numbness in the arms and hands. I should note that I am a large breasted woman to begin with, BFing has put me into a DDD. I kinda figured since weaning has been so gradual, that maybe I would escape this whole engorgement thing. Does it sound like that is what's happening to me? Do I need to call my doctor, or can I treat this myself? What can I do to make this weird numbness go away? Thanks a lot!
I don't think it's a weaning issue... if you are still allowing your son to breastfeed on demand. If you are refusing more nurses than allowing - then yeah - it might be the cause of the firmness around the armpit area..
BUT... any kind of extremity numbness that is not from sleeping on that part too long, you should see your Dr!!
I would definitely go to your doctor. Engorgement can lead to a really nasty infection that has a lot of flu like symptoms and that is no bueno! And it can become so painful!
From what you described, it sounds like you are engorged.
I hope you feel better and talk to your doctor pronto!
Take care!
I never got the numbing but I once freaked out because I had that area between the breast and armpit feel soar and firm like you described. Went to the doctor, she said it was likely breast feeding related and would go away on its own within a day or two. It did, and I've noticed it happens time to time. I don't think it would hurt to go to your doctor and get checked out for the numbness though.
This is going to sound crazy but put raw cabbage in your bra. It feels really good because it's cold and it will dry up the milk supply. Only do it a little bit if you still want to breast feed a little. When you are done feeding keep it on longer.
Hi S.,
Do you feel engorged? I've self weaned 3 of my 4 children, youngest is still nursing before nap and bed and never experienced engorgement because it was a gradual process. Things could be different for you though.
I was in a car accident a year ago this past July. I suffered severe whiplash and worked with a chiropractor to get back to feeling normal. Since the accident though, I've noticed that if I sleep on my left side there are times when I wake that my right hand & fingers are numb and tingly. Chiropractic adjustments have helped to relieve this for me. However, I wanted to suggest to possibly see a chiropractor to clear any interference.
Hope you find some relief.
Peace,
J.
