Painful breasts whilst weaning 12 mo - any advice?

[thetraveller]

I gave my last breastfeed to 12 mo DS a week ago, having gradually cut down over the past month. Was all going fine, but now my breasts are really painful. They're not engorged at all, and I don't seem to have any blocked ducts - just really, really sore! Is this normal, or should I be worried about possible mastitis? I've tried expressing a small amount, but doesn't seem to be doing any good. How long is this likely to last?

I've no idea about how long it's likely to last, I'm afraid, but as I'm about to go through the same thing I've asked a few friends about this.

One told me that expressing will just prolong the process (and the agony!) but if you get in a hot shower, any milk that flows will release some of the pressure and not stimulate your body to produce more milk.

I have no idea if it'll work, but it might help...

Getting in the hot shower now...

Hope the process isn't as painful for you!