Weaning after 9 months - lots of pain!

Kellie-Marie - posted on 01/27/2011

i also have been told to use cabbage for the pain i had blocked ducts and was told by midwife to go in warm bath and hand express alot of it out but first you must un block the ducts very painful but it must be done clench ya fist and knead the lumps all the way down towards the nipple if you have red bruise like marks before you express then yes go to a&e

Bethany - posted on 01/27/2011

Plugged ducts or mastitis sometimes occurs when you stop nursing, because the milk has no where to go.
If you have a lump, I would go to the doctor.
It hurts to nurse through a plugged duct, but it's supposed to make it better.
When I had one, I had to go to the ER and get it drained. It was not fun and I do not reccomend waiting to see what happens. The longer I waited the worse it got. Don't let that happen to you. Go now.
After that, you may want to try cabbage leaves on your breasts. I have heard that they help to deplete your milk supply.

Lise - posted on 01/23/2011

That sounds like a plugged duct. :( You'll need to nurse or pump that out or it can lead to mastitis, which is a pretty bad infection. Natural weaning is a very slow process, so your body adjusts over the course of weeks or months. If you force weaning (not saying it was wrong - it was your choice), it's sudden and is hard on the breasts.

Here's a link on plugged ducts and mastitis - gives you ways to fix it and signs to watch for... http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/...

Danielle - posted on 01/23/2011

How do I know if I have mastitis or a plugged duct? I am afriad I have one. My left boob has a very big lump in it that I just noticed last night. I have tried rubbing it out but it doesn't seem to be going away. It is not sore unless pushed on..

Jessica - posted on 01/22/2011

On top of nursing once a day, I would try pumping once maybe twice a day for a little while, then gradually decrease the amount of time you pump every few days. Like if you pump for 10 minutes on each side then after a few days decrease it to 8 minutes on each side, then a few days later decrease it to 6 minutes and so on. This will help wean your body off of nursing instead of going it cold turkey.

Lise - posted on 01/22/2011

Make sure you express a little and watch for the signs of mastitis and plugged ducts. It's easiest to wean off slowly.

Danielle - posted on 01/21/2011

Thanks Kathy! The cabbage does sound strange but I'm willing to try anything lol

Kathy - posted on 01/17/2011

Ouch, Danielle, that is so painful! Just manually express a bit of milk occasionally to relieve the pressure. If it's only a tiny bit occasionally your supply won't increase. gradually, as you feed her less and less, your supply will drop, then dry up. You might need a painkiller - ask your pharmacist. many mums find that hot or cold compresses can help with the engorgement and the pain, and cabbage leaves can also help. Keep some cabbage leaves in the fridge, and put one in your bra till it becomes soggy. Yes, I know it sounds weird, but it works!