Dear Kathleen- Too much and not enough, weaning and supply during monthly cycle

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.
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.
Could Cry
Hello Could Cry,

Best wishes,
Kathleen
Kathleen Huggins RN IBCLC, has a Master’s Degree in Perinatal Nursing from U.C. San Francisco, founded the Breastfeeding Warmline, opened one of the first breastfeeding clinics in the United States, and has been helping breastfeeding mothers professionally for 33 years. Kathleen authored The Nursing Mother’s Companion in 1986 followed by The Nursing Mother’s Guide to Weaning. Kathleen has also co-authored Nursing Mother, Working Mother with Gale Pryor, Twenty Five Things Every Breastfeeding Mother Should Know and The Nursing Mothers’ Breastfeeding Diary with best-friend, Jan Ellen Brown. The Nursing Mothers’ Companion has also been translated into Spanish. Mother of two now grown children, Kathleen retired from hospital work in 2004 and after beating breast cancer opened and currently runs Simply MaMa, her own maternity and breastfeeding boutique. She continues to support breastfeeding mothers through her store’s “breastaurant,” online at The Leaky Boob, and in private consultations.

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