Is this normal and how long should it last? Pain when stopping bf.

[flippyfloppy]

DS 23 weeks, I gave him his last breastfeed on Saturday night, previous to this I had cut down and stopped day feeds in the ten days before and breasts seemed to have adjusted well. Today however I am in agony, breasts rock hard, soooo painful, I feel teary when fabric brushes on them, can't lift arms and feel weary and drained with the pain. I can't remember suffering like this with DD. Just wondered is this to be expected? Any tips on what might help and how long I should expect it to last. By the way I don't think it is mastitis I had that when DS was 2 weeks so know what to expect if I feel that coming on . TIA x

I know it sounds medieval but cabbage leaves are supposed to be good and I have heard wearing a tight sports bra too but sorry no experience so not sure.

Give a helpline a call maybe, they are there for all aspects of breastfeeding even stopping.

Hi flippy, you are engorged - simple as that. Very common when stopping BF a baby of that age.

You need to relieve the engorgement, not just because of the pain but also because the milk could build up enough to cause a blocked duct or mastitis. To do this, express some milk (by hand, ideally) - just enough to feel comfortable, however many times a day as is necessary. Many women find that in the shower or bath is helpful. Try gentle massage on the hard bits with the heel of your hand, making sweeping movements towards the nipple. Ibuprofen may also help as it's an anti-inflammatory.

Since your DS is no longer feeding your supply should adjust quickly - if you can tackle the engorgement straight away, you should be feeling much more comfortable within a few days. If it gets worse, and/or you feel flu-like symptoms, a visit to the GP might be in order.

Thank you so much for replies. Took your advice boobmeister, ive had several hot baths today whilst massaging boobs, and hand expressing in bath, what a relief in the water!! Feel like a new woman tonight, still tender and sore but not the all consuming pain of last night, let's hope I've turned a corner and can sleep tonight. Thanks again xx

Excellent