A stopping BF question, advice please.

[bayrans]

I stopped BF a week ago, my daughter is 13 months and was only on 1 early morning feed a day from the left side only, the right side gave up on its own a couple of months back and has deflated back to pre preg size.

My left breast is still very lumpy and painful, like I've been kicked in the chest. I've been taking regular ibuprofen with slight relief.
I've just squeezed it (not exactly expressed) and some clearish fluid has come out, and also relieved a bit of the lumpiness and pain.

How long will this go on for? We've just moved and I've not registered with a GP yet so can't go to one.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I stopped at 18 months, finally cutting down from one feed a day. It was fine at first, with no real engorgement. But after 10 days or so my boobs ached like crazy. Really tender to the touch. It went away on its own after a few days.

If you've got localised pain, I'd be concerned about mastitis. But if it's general pain/aching all over your breast, I'd guess it's normal hormone-driven changes.

Thanks for the reply.

I'd say it was more tender than localized, I've not had mastitis so can't compare but I don't think it is that. I guess with my right side just giving up I didn't get any of these symptoms so still a bit clueless!

I'll give it another few days and see how it is then.

Hi there it does sound like the beginnings of mastitis. Try to express to comfort and use some gentle massage read this article for tips Breasts Full and Tender (scroll down to how can I reduce the engorgement)

Hot shower and gently getting rid of any lumps. Expressing a little less each time to help supply dwindle naturally.

Savoy cabbage leafs from the fridge really helped with the tenderness. Keep an eye on your temp as mastitis needs seen to.

Any better tonight op?

Just thought I would mention it's not uncommon to get a hormonal dip when you stop breastfeeding. I felt a little down for a couple of weeks afterwards, but have since been told a lot of people experience it. Hormones!

You really want to try and massage the lumps out because if they get infected it can be nasty.

In an emergency you can visit any GP as an out of area patient.