Engorged breasts - Trigger warning.

[newstart91]

Sorry I don't know where to post this. Apologies this may trigger people so just a warning.

I had a surgical abortion on Wednesday, everything went fine.

But breasts are very engorged, aching. I've been told not to squeeze them (which I'm not) as it'll stimulate further production, and they have leaked a bit.

Called the aftercare line who said to just leave them alone and they should return to normal after a week and to call back then if not.

But they are getting painful. I've had ibuprofen. Just wanted to ask would a hot cloth be ok or would it aid production/make it worse?

Any other advice?

Just to mention I've been told I cannot have a bath for a week, otherwise I would have gotten into a hot bath :(

Cold compresses and ibuprofen. If you notice a red patch with a lump underneath- it could be beginning of mastitis. If it happens you need to hand express or pump but for comfort only. Have you been prescribed Cabergolin?

Cold compresses in your bra/ down your top can help, or cabbage leaves which have been in the fridge (or freezer to cool them quickly). Any cabbage will do as long as they're boob shaped. Regular pain relief eg ibuprofen and /or paracetamol and you should be fine in a few days. Sometimes a warm shower or warm compresses help too.

Cold flannels, if it’s really bad you can expel as little as you can. Keep an eye out for red patches and possibility of mastitis

OK. Take ibuprofen for the inflammation if there are no contraindications. If you can bear to, apply cold compresses, also to reduce the inflammation. (if you use ice packs wrap them in a flannel or tea towel first)
Then Google something called reverse pressure massage. It basically helps to move the swelling away from around the milk ducts back into the lymph glands where it can drain without pushing milk through and stimulating more milk supply.

Essentially you want to use the flat of your hand on your breast, press down and rock it slowly from the edge near the nipple to the other side. Work all around the breast, always working from the nipple outwards. This combined with the ibuprofen and followed by cold compresses should help significantly.

Best of luck.

Further to the earlier post... got the name of the drug wrong. Cabergolin is a medication used to suppress lactation

Thank you. I haven't been prescribed anything.

Thank you to all of you I really appreciate this. I saw a cold compress pack in home bargains just last week so I'll pop there now. and stock up on some more ibuprofen!

How are you feeling now? No hot red patches I hope? No lumps or bruised feelings?

Last night was awful, I kept waking up in pain, and they were swollen and solid.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol unfortunately hasn't helped me much.

No red patches or lumps though, they're just really big and hard. Completely solid from all areas, especially underneath, to the point it hurts if I lift them. And they've been leaking white/clear liquid.

I think it's a waiting game. Still going to carry on doing what you've advised.
Dreading tonight.

Firstly OP I’m pleased that everything went well and hope you’re OK.

I would be worried about you getting a blocked duct. Rubbing out a lump will not stimulate more milk whoever told you that is an idiot - breasts know the difference between a hand and a baby. But you want to avoid mastitis at all costs, I’ve had it and it’s like hell on Earth

Just seen your update.

You need to call 111. Your breasts should not be red and hard

@YaMuvva

I meant there's no red patches or lumps. But they are solid. Is that normal?

Ah sorry I thought you said they were red.

Solid is normal but it doesn’t mean you can’t do something to reduce the swelling. It’s very painful so I would definitely try the advice on here.

Hey, soaking in a warm bath or shower will hopefully help, as long as there are no red patches or lumps then you'll be OK. Breasts respond to stimulus, them getting full and hard is what triggers them to reduce milk production, but you need to balance that against comfort. If a gentle squeeze reduces the pressure to something a bit more comfortable then do that in the bath after you've done the reverse pressure massage again, then follow up with the cold compress once you're out and dry/dressed.

I'd also recommend a nice snug crop top or vest with built in support (if you're not wearing one already) to apply some gentle pressure and make you a bit more comfortable. In days gone by women would bind their breasts to stop milk production, but I'm not sure how effective it is and probably wouldn't recommend it in case it causes a pressure spot that leads to a blocked duct.

I really hope you start feeling more comfortable soon.

Ah bless you op. Hope you feel better soon. This too shall pass x

Bit odd but I have heard cabbage leaves help with this

I am booked for a surgical abortion. I have been asked to take a Mifepristone tablet before the procedure to soften my cervix. Did you have to do this? If so, what was your experience? X