Stopped BFing, v engorged, advice?

[fifitot]

Help! Have weaned my 12m old onto a bottle. I was only doing 1 BF a night but since stopping this one feed have still got very engorged - but only on one side! It's hard but not red and not that sore.. My question is should I express a bit just to rede uce the engorgement? Or wait it out until it goes back to normal? Scared of Mastitis.

[organiccarrotcake]

If you can express just enough for comfort, that should be enough to slowly reduce your supply and avoid mastitis.

[fifitot]

OK thanks. Wonder how long before supply stops?

[organiccarrotcake]

At 12 months, very hard to say, but I would expect it to get comfortable within a week or so. You may be able to express some drops of milk for a long time, though!

[organiccarrotcake]

BTW keep a very close eye out for blocked ducts. Work on relieving those as a priority over reducing milk supply.

[fifitot]

thanks again. how will I unblock the ducts?

[organiccarrotcake]

Well, if you do get any (and you may not) the usual way is to keep the breast drained (which isn't ideal if you're trying to slow milk production but better than mastitis). Gentle breast massage over the blocked duct will help clear it. Gently rub your thumb, or your knuckles, whatever feels right, down over the duct in the direction towards the nipple. Doing this in the shower while warm water flows over can help, as well as while expressing.

Here's a full info sheet:

www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html

[fifitot]

Thanks very much for all of your help. Much appreciated.