Agony with drying up milk

[Greyhorses]

Has anyone any helpful tips to help with engorgement?
I am literally in agony at the moment after having Ds 4 days ago, I am not breastfeeding at all and am ff.

I literally can't even move my arms, they are rock solid and have kept me awake for days.

I have tried cabbage, it hasn't made any differnence and I am desperate

Lots of nurofen and wearing 2 bras at the same time helped for me. Anything to stop them moving! It does pass, honest. But I remember the pain vividly and it's not nice. Good luck!

I would hand express the excess off. It's the over fullness that is hurting. Have a look on YouTube or kellymom for how to do it.

Aren't you at risk of mastitis if you don't keep them empty? I'd express. If you're not suckling the child production will soon stop. Soon-ish.

The midwife told me not to touch them at all so it dries up quicker and stimulation will drag it out longer? Is this wrong?

No that's wrong and stupid advice.

You can get mastitis which it sounds like you have already. Express a little on each side now.

It's a slow process to dry it up but everyday you express a little so you don't get engorged.

I would call your gp today and go and be seen. Are they hot and do you have a fever or feel unwell?

www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/dryupfst.htm

Express for comfort just to soften them. When breast are engorged like that it increases the risk of mastitis. If you get a temperature or feel flu like, see the GP asap for treatment.

Thank you to all of you

I have hand expressed a tiny amount and the relief is amazing! I was under strict instructions not to touch them or stimulate them in any way and to just ride it out but it is so so painful!

Hopefully tomorrow is better as I am inhaling ibuprofen

Sudafed works to dry them up. But you need to just express the minimum for comfort.

Congratulations on your DS!

I had my second child 6 days ago and have been using Therapearl ice packs to help with engorgement. They do provide some relief.

Hope you are more comfortable soon.

Thank you to all of you.

I feel 200% better today still leaking lots but the pain has gone thank god!

Lemsip will help to dry them out. Glad your feeling better

Don't let the hot water on them if you can, turn your back in the shower. Also, disprin apparently helps, you know the ones, they are really old fashioned dissolvable painkillers? It might be worth a shot. Glad to read you are feeling better today though. Take care and congratulations.