Expert: Pat G - 5/10/2010

Question
I had a 2nd trimester abortion on 05072010, and today I am experiencing breast soreness. I had some milk coming out, but my breast are extremely sore, and when I slightly touch them, it feels very tight and stiff all around. Is there something I should be concerned about? Should I go to the hospital as soon as possible?

Answer
Hello, Kieu,

This is actually a natural response to having an abortion. Your body is supplying milk for the baby you are no longer carrying. When you have too much milk, and the pressure isn't relieved by nursing the baby, it will build up. Then the breasts become impacted. This is painful. This can lead to infection, so yes, it does need to be taken care of.

You don't necessarily need to go to the hospital, but you can get a doctor to supply you with a medication that will partly dry up your milk. You can do something to alleviate the pressure in the meantime. You can "milk" your nipples. Gently squeeze them, pulling ever so slightly outward as you do so. You should have a container to catch the milk. Do just enough of this to relieve the pressure, no more. You might have to do it a number of times, and it might hurt at first. If my instructions don't make sense, or you need a demonstration, contact La Leche League (there should be a chapter near you) and ask them to help you. Also, some women find it helpful to bind their breasts in cloth (wrapping cloth around their body at the chest level), but this might be painful. Finally, you can rub jojoba oil into them. Just in case you are unaware, that's pronounced "ho-HO-bah". You should be able to get pure jojoba oil at the health food store.

I hope this helps. For future reference, please be aware that abortion is dangerous, and can take your life. If this is the worst thing that happens to you, count yourself lucky! Please take care.