The magical journey of breastfeeding is extremely rewarding. The wonders of your body are amazing. But can you stop cold turkey? What are the implications for your body? Read further to find out why you may have breast pain 2 weeks after stopping breastfeeding?
Why Do I Have Breast Pain 2 Weeks After Stopping Breastfeeding?
Breast pain 2 weeks after stopping breastfeeding can simply be down to your body trying to catch up with a sudden drop in the demand for your milk. You may find that your breasts are tender or even sore like they were when your milk first came in as your breasts are brimming over with unused milk.
Why Are My Breasts So Tender?
Your body works on a supply and demand basis. In the first instance, you may have noticed that to build your supply you had to power pump or cluster feed. Gradually as your baby feeds your body strives to meet the demands of your hungry little cub.
Now comes the time when you are trying to wean your baby off your breast and on to formula or food. It may have been weeks, months, or years even, and whereas you are supplying your baby with other foods your body can take a while to catch up.
Can I Stop Cold Turkey?
I’m sure we would all like a magic switch that we can flick to signal to our bodies that we no longer need as much of a milk supply but unfortunately it doesn’t exist.
When you stop feeding as often, your body will still produce the same volume of milk. So where does it go? Nowhere!
Think of a crowded shopping mall, people filter in but no one leaves, eventually, there will be no room for anyone else and if the doors stay open it will be packed to the brim! This is what your breasts are like. They are so used to the production and release of breast milk that when you no longer feed it takes some time to catch up.
With your breasts so full it makes sense for you to be in pain!
How Long for Breasts to Stop Hurting After Stopping Breastfeeding?
How long will my breasts be sore after stopping breastfeeding is a tough question to answer and will be different for each individual. Remember it takes time for your breasts to get the update when you no longer need to produce the same volume of milk. If you have an abrupt ending to your journey then experiencing pain is very common.
Breast pain can linger for anything from a few days to a few weeks after you stop breastfeeding. They tend to be most painful in the first few days after this your body realizes that there is no need for as much supply and will cease to produce as much milk.
You may notice that your breasts become hard and hot to touch, this is completely normal but if you are concerned at all then speak to your doctor or consult a lactation expert.
What Other Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
The following list is symptoms that many moms report whilst weaning.
- Burning in the Areolas.
- Hard lumpy breasts.
- Feeling like rocks on your chest.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Hot to touch.
- Leaking breasts.
- Engorgement.
Sometimes these symptoms can worsen leading to infection.
‣ Clogged Ducts
Clogged ducts happen when your body packs too much milk in to your breasts. Without the natural release of milk, it just packs more and more in creating hard lumps in your breast. Gentle massage in the shower can help disperse a blocked duct.
‣ Mastitis
This is an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. If you have suffered from blocked ducts and you haven’t managed to release it then it can build into an infection. Mastitis can be extremely painful and uncomfortable so if you suspect something isn’t right visit your doctor.
If you find your breast hurts 2 weeks after stopping breastfeeding then you may have developed an infection or have blocked ducts. My advice would be to visit the doctor as Mastitis can develop fairly quickly and become extremely painful.
Reliefs to Breast Pain 2 Weeks after Stopping Breastfeeding
Breast pain is common but you can do things to help relieve that pain. Don’t suffer in silence try out one of the following, you never know it could make all the difference!
- Warm bath/shower – You feel the most relaxed when you are in the bath or shower. Your body releases all tension. All your muscles relax, helping your breasts to become softer to release any overspill of milk.
- Express – If you haven’t got a pump then it may be a good time to invest. You can buy electric or manual pumps but they both do the same. If you have pain from engorgement and pumping a little can feel amazing! It takes the pressure out of your chest. But be aware pumping too much or too often will signal to your body to make more rather than decrease supply. Keep sessions short and sweet just to take the edge off.
- Massage – Best if completed in the shower or bath. Gently massaging your breasts can help disperse any clogged ducts and give you instant relief. Again any stimulation to the breast could entice leaking which will in turn signal for your breasts to make more.
- Cold pack – Helps with pain relief and reduces any swelling.
- Hydrate – Your body is in overdrive and using up all your natural stores. Keep on top of your water intake and remember breastfeeding moms need more than average.
- Medication – Paracetamol can help with the pain and swelling but consult your doctor before taking any medication.
- Herbal tea – On the holistic side but it is thought to relax you.
- Cabbage leaves – This is an old wives tale but it is thought to help. Putting cold cabbage leaves on your breasts can help numb the pain and they encase each breast to reduce swelling.
- Diet – Eating a balanced diet is imperative for any new mom. It is more prominent in lactating moms as what you eat can affect your milk. It is also important to keep your energy levels up.
- Rest – Please don’t hate me for this one! How on earth can you rest when you are a new mom? I know I hated this type of advice but pulling in support from friends and family can take the burdens of everyday chores off you for a while. You can concentrate on looking after yourself and bub.
- Join a lactation group – Finding support with moms in the same situation can be a relief to us moms in itself. Hearing you are not the only one in your shoes can be a comfort. You can also pick up advice and share tips.
Wrapping Up
To finalize our article on, “Is breast pain 2 weeks after stopping breastfeeding normal? This is completely normal and you can expect discomfort for anything from a few days to 2 weeks. Anything more than this and you should seek medical advice.
I am speaking from experience in this field and I totally understand the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. Try all the home tips and tricks we have mentioned, some really do feel amazing.
If the pain worsens or you get a fever then please visit your doctor immediately.
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