How do I avoid breast engorgement (and discomfort) when stopping breast feeding?

**mummy2max** · 06-05-2010 10:15

I have successfully bf my son for the first year of his little life and I have been slowly dropping feeds without too much trouble or discomfort. We were down to one feed at night, which we swopped for a warm cup of milk last night. DS was absolutely fine with the transition, but i am suffering a bit this morning. I have one hard lumpy breast which I'm undecided what to do.
Do I try to express a bit of milk and hope I don't trigger a let-down (I have never had any trouble producing milk so this could be tricky) or do I try a bit of massage in the shower to relieve some of the bumps, or do I just leave it and hope it doesn't get worse; I really don't want the experience of mastitis!!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

**WorkingClassMum** · 06-05-2010 11:34

** bump **

Ring the ABA??

1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686)

**NonnyMouse** · 06-05-2010 11:53

Sounds like you're weaning nice and slow which is the best thing you can do for your breasts.

I'd suggest using a warm shower and gentle massage to relieve the lumps and if milk starts to flow just let it as it will help with engorgement but shouldn't stimulate them anough to keep your production going.

**bambino** · 06-05-2010 12:02

Originally Posted by ANonnyMouse

Sounds like you're weaning nice and slow which is the best thing you can do for your breasts.

I'd suggest using a warm shower and gentle massage to relieve the lumps and if milk starts to flow just let it as it will help with engorgement but shouldn't stimulate them anough to keep your production going.

I did this in the shower too.
And during the night, if it got too unbearable I would express just a little bit to help with the discomfort.

**mummy2max** · 13-05-2010 16:08

Thanks for the feedback, I ended up calling the ABA and they suggested the same things. I ended up letting my ds feed for a short while to take the initial discomfort away and this worked a treat (thankfully he's not fussed where his milk comes from).
My next question is although they are now not painful they are really lumpy, it's been just over a week since I completely stopped bf - can anyone advise me how long this takes to settle down? Will I ever get soft boobs again? Will I ever fit into my pre-pregnancy bras (which I was prior to stopping completely)? Please say it happens eventually!!