One of the things the doctors and nurses warned me about my late miscarriage, was the fact that my milk would come in since I did go through labor. I know it seems like nature's cruel joke to have to deal with now. My breasts are H-U-G-E now and I know my milk has come in. I am wearing sports bras and avoiding warm showers on my chest. My questions to moms that have breastfed and had to stop is, how do I know my supply has dried up? Is there anyone on here that didn't breastfed or went through this and has more advice for me? Also, my doctor does not prescribe the medicine that can stop you from producing milk, so that's not an option.
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I breastfed for only about a week. It took awhile for my milk to go away because I did skin to skin still, and I really think ky body knew that the baby was against me. The second I stopped that my milk dried up. Hopefully it will go quickly for you!
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I haven't been in your same situation but when my son weaned it took about 2 weeks for me not to have to pump to relieve a little pressure once or twice a day. After that, it took about 2 months until I wouldn't get any milk if I tried hand expressing though I never had problems with leaking. I think you are probably doing what you can by avoiding hot water. I've heard cold cabbage leaves are a good engorgement release as well.
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When we counsel parents who have had a loss, we tell them to expect it to take 1-2 weeks for the milk supply to go away to the point where you are comfortable, and your breasts are softer. There might be some milk still there if you hand-express for longer though.
On top of compression (like using sports bras or wrapping snugly with a tensor bandage), taking ibuprofen and icing your breasts will help as well.
Don't attempt to express for comfort, because that will stimulate more production. Avoid any stimulation to the nipples in general, and keep your showers cool (like you already have been).
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@MsMini: Thank you! They told me some basic stuff, but didn't really give me any other details. So, when my breast feel kind of softer, then I'll know that it's kind of gone.
Do I need to worry about clog ducts? I was worried that stimulation to any part of the breast would cause let down, but it's more just the nipples, right?
THank you for your response. This is the only part that they really didn't go into that much detail.
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@Jennimac: Yeah, when your breasts soften back up the milk is pretty much gone. You shouldn't have any issues with clogged ducts, but do keep an eye out for signs of mastitis (red/hot area on breast, especially painful area of breast, flu-like symptoms, fever), if you have any signs make sure to get checked ASAP (like same day). Stimulation to nipples is the main issue, but a lot of stimulation/massage to the rest of the breast could stimulate let-down.
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@MsMini: Thank you so much!
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6 comments