Expert: ruth kraft - 4/28/2009

Question
I just weaned my nearly two year old over the weekend, cold turkey. I was very ready, he is my third child in four years time and my milk supply was very low.  I didn't expect any engorgement for this reason but did experiance about one bra size enargement by day two of the weaning my breast became very sore, tender, bruised like, lumpy and dark in areas.  It has been three days four nights and the pain etc. has not improved.  I have been takeing herbs for mastitis and hot showers as well as massage.  I tried pumping to relieve pressure on day two but no milk would release. I don't feel like I'm suffering full blown mastitis symptoms but do feel run down, achie and had a mild fever.  I definatly feel like I'm suffering from clogged milk ducks.  I would like advice on treatment and your opinion keeping in mind that I can't resume nursing and can't seem to pump or expel milk.
thank you
cori in colorado

Answer
Hmmm... certianly sounds like a bit of mastitis to me... so watch it carefully. Weaning cold turkey is not always the best thing... next time youll know :)  

my suggestion would be to get some fresh cabbage leaves and put one leaf inside your bra, against your breast until it wilts. then put another and another etc... you can also try sage tea and sage tea bags against your breasts as those will help dry milk up too.  run very warm water over them every few hours to help open up ducts and try to get some pressure out with a down ward massage toward the nipple... and hope hope hope it works ;) without getting the infection further :)

Good luck!