We receive hundreds of emails and messages daily from Leakies looking for help and information in their breastfeeding journey. As so many seek support from us, we are so honored to have the support of Kathleen Huggins, IBCLC and author of The Nursing Mothers’ Companion. Kathleen is jumping on board with The Leaky Boob to have a regular article answering Leaky questions every month. The questions will be selected from the huge pool we get in every day to try and help cover the wide range of topics about which Leakies are asking. These questions are from real moms and represent hundreds of requests for more information in the past few weeks. Please understand that this is simply the professional opinion of one International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in an informal setting and is not intended to replace the care of a health care provider. Kathleen is offering support and information, not diagnosing or prescribing treatment. For your health and safety, please seek the care of a qualified physician and/or IBCLC. Kathleen does have limited availability for phone or online consultations, see her website for more information.
Dear Kathleen,
I have weaned my nursling, it has been 7 days since his last feed and lefty still isn’t getting with the program! I have a lumpy, very sore, left breast and am unsure what to do. Is this normal? What can I do to relieve the pain and discomfort?
Thank you!
Lumpy Lefty
Hi there Lumpy,
Yes, it can take while for both breasts to involute after weaning, even if weaning was gradual. Your left breast will soften soon, but in the meantime you can try the following suggestions. You will want to try and avoid any breast stimulation to either breast. This means taking backward showers or tub baths, avoiding heat to the breast and any stimulation during lovemaking. You can use Tylenol or ibuprofen to ease any discomfort. Some mothers use cool packs on the breasts for 10-15 minutes a few times a day and some even place chilled cabbage in their bras to help with the swelling and discomfort. While some mothers chose to express milk from the breasts, this may provide temporary relief, but that will most likely lengthen the total time it takes to dry up completely.
To speed the softening, you can drink sage or peppermint tea. Earth Mama Angel Baby sells their “Organic No More Tea” which contains these herbs or you can buy dried sage leaves in most health food grocery stores. Steep a couple of teaspoons of sage in boiled water storing it in your refrigerator. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day for up to three days. None of these herbs should not be used if you may be pregnant. Most mothers do nothing other than wearing a supportive bra and giving it a bit more time. Please know that it is quite normal for mothers to be able to express drops of milk for many months after weaning.
Feel better soon!
Kathleen
Dear Kathleen,I’m on the verge of tears, disappointed in myself. My little guy is 4 months old and I returned to work last month, we are exclusively breastfeeding and I pump when I’m at work. This month my monthly cycle returned and I’m experiencing a drop in my milk supply with it. Is this normal? Why is this happening? I feel so bad, I can’t pump nearly as much as I could before and sometimes he seems very frustrated at the breast. Will my supply come back up when my period ends? Is there anything I can do? I’m having to use the milk I have stored and I’m afraid that if my supply doesn’t come back up I won’t be able to keep up with my son’s needs. Even if it does come back up after my period, if it’s going to be like this every month I’m really concerned that I won’t have enough of my milk when I’m at work and that he’s going to wean early if he’s frustrated even at the breast. Please help!Sincerely,
Could Cry
Hello Could Cry,
I am so sorry that you are worried and upset! Let’s see what we can do. I am hoping that you are getting in at least 7 nursing and pumping each 24 hours and that you are using the best pump possible. If you are not using a Hygeia or another pump with strong suction such as a rental pump, I would suggest that you try and get one. I know that many insurance carriers that are providing pumps to nursing mothers, but many are offering mothers poor quality pumps. For an example, the Ameda pump has very low suction unless you are using it as a single pump.Try to nurse right before leaving for work every day and be sure that you care giver doesn’t feed the baby for two hours before your expected return. In that way you can nurse just as soon as you get home. Some mothers find that their babies are simply being overfed while they are apart. Your baby only needs about 1 1/2 ounces per hour for a good feeding at this age. That means that if it has been 2 hours since the last feed, he will only need 3 ounces by bottle. If your care provider is overfeeding the baby, let her know that the doctor has recommended that amount. Using a slower flow nipple can also help slow the feeding and leave your baby a bit more satisfied.When you are home with the baby, try to nurse more often. Keep in mind that babies at this age do not give early hunger cues. If your baby uses a pacifier, put it away and offer the breast when you see finger sucking and it has been 2 hours or more since the last feeding. Welcome night time feeds, as nursing in the night increases your milk making hormones the most. When at home you can also pump right after any of your morning nursings and use that milk to feed the freezer.
Yes, when a mother begins ovulating, it is common for milk production to decline somewhat until the next period starts up again. With that being said, you can try taking 1000 mgms of calcium and 500 mgms of magnesium every day once you have ovulated and until your period returns. You can also use herbs to stimulate your production, so long as your breasts are being drained 7 times a day. Fenugreek can be found in any health food store and the lactation dose is 3 capsules three times a day, not what is written on the bottle. For a stronger herbal remedy, I recommend More Milk Plus from Mother Love Herbals. You can visit their website and find a local distributor. More Milk Plus contains fenugreek and three other milk stimulating herbs.I do hope this has been helpful to you and that you find ways to continue nursing for as long as you and the baby like.
Best wishes,
Kathleen
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