[JustWannaDisappear]

I have two kids ages 4 and 21mos. I only BF my 4yr old for 4wks so I was determined to go longer with my 1yr old. I BF him for 9mos before my supply had completely tanked and I had supply issues as it was so I weaned him.

Ever since, my breasts get really sore, especially one side and if I look.. I have what I think is milk. It looks like it did when I would get full and some milk would express and dry. Hopefully this makes sense and isn't too disgusting. I'm just wondering if this is normal, especially since it's been a year since I last nursed my son. I skipped my annual appt this year so I didn't ask my ob/gyn. I'll eventually make my appt but meanwhile just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

[lynn P.]

This isn't disgusting at all -breast feeding is a beautiful and natural thing. I breast fed both my girls. Once I stopped I didn't have any problems. When you say "sore on one side" - do you mean 1 breast is sore or your breasts are sore on the side? Good to have it checked out on your next appt.

[JustWannaDisappear]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

This isn't disgusting at all -breast feeding is a beautiful and natural thing. I breast fed both my girls. Once I stopped I didn't have any problems. When you say "sore on one side" - do you mean 1 breast is sore or your breasts are sore on the side? Good to have it checked out on your next appt.

Yes, one breast gets really sore. Almost the like when you're pregnant and they ache really bad. Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come across that way, I know some people are uncomfortable with breastfeeding, so I wasn't sure if the description was gross.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by JustWannaDisappear

Yes, one breast gets really sore. Almost the like when you're pregnant and they ache really bad. Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come across that way, I know some people are uncomfortable with breastfeeding, so I wasn't sure if the description was gross.

No need for sorries. I can never understand why some people are uncomfortable with breast feeding. If it's just one breast, I think you should have this checked out. I don't know if this could be a problem with a dried milk duct after this long.

[JustWannaDisappear]

thanks I'm not sure either, my side of the family thinks it's gross, so I have zero support so asking anyone would be interesting, lol. I'll just have to remember to ask at my appt. thanks

[imatter2]

My friend just had a lump in her breast biposied - turns out it was "solidified mastitis" - she hasn't nursed for nearly 18 months now! I'd definitely get it checked out, it could be as simple asctgat.

(just this topic makes my left breast hurt like a letdown feeling, and I have not nursed a child in nearly seven years!!)

[salukigirl]

My sister has breast fed all 4 of her children and has experienced the same thing. Your hormones are (obviously) going nuts after you're pregnant and especially while breast feeding. I would go to a fam doc to have your hormone levels checked because your pituitary gland is what controls lactation and other bodily cycles. If you were to have them checked and find that your hormone levels are a little off you might be able to do something to balance them out.

Also, like Phrick said, breast feeding can cause build up of milk and little lumps. Sometimes there can be an infection in the breast that is regularly used for breast feeding.

Oddly enough I learned this because of my cat haha. Ever since she was a kitten she has sucked on her own nipple. The vet told me to keep an eye on it because it could cause an infection in her nipples. And when I checked it out, apparently the same thing can happen to humans!

Don't ever feel grossed out or self-conscious about it. We're pretty open here!

[justjoanie]

I bf all 5 of my kids. And yes, this same thing would happen to me. I had "leakage" for a few years even after I stopped. My breasts would hurt, and one worse than the other sometimes. My left one was always the sore one.
I went to the dr, and was told it was normal and I was fine. Personally, though, I would go get checked, and just let them see what's going on. You don't want to take any chances with your health.
You may find out as I did that it's normal for you to do this, and it will stop in time. But at least you've been checked and you are sure.
Let us know what happens!!

[JustWannaDisappear]

Originally Posted by salukigirl

Oddly enough I learned this because of my cat haha. Ever since she was a kitten she has sucked on her own nipple. The vet told me to keep an eye on it because it could cause an infection in her nipples. And when I checked it out, apparently the same thing can happen to humans!

This made me laugh. lol.
Thanks everyone

[shezbut]

((JustWannaDisappear))

I did nurse both of my girls. I got mastitis once (about one month into nursing my first daughter) ~ which I recall as being a dramatic difference from "normal". The breast became hard and HOT, fever throughout the body. All in a matter of hours. Pretty intense! The answer to that problem is antibiotics and getting the excess milk out to relieve pressure.

Years after I had stopped nursing my daughters, (about 4 years) I found a lump in my breast. It lasted for months, despite my menstrual cycle. I saw my doctor, and mentioned it to her. She felt it, and sent me out for x-rays and a mammogram. The x-rays showed a relatively small mass. The mammogram, however, squeezes the breast so tightly, the mass was squished apart. My doctor figured that the mass in my breast was dried milk, and the pressure of the mammogram squished it apart.

I have felt my milk ducts kick into gear a few times (for seconds) in the last few years. Not incredibly unusual, apparently, but it was a surprise to me. My doctor was surprised too though.

That's my experience. I'd recommend calling your doctor for an appointment. Doesn't have to be an OB/GYN. The part that your pain is pretty intense is what would make me act now, rather than wait a bit. It's better to get answers, rather then wonder & worry, and let the pain levels intensify.

Best wishes to you!

[Nupoet64]

JustWanna, another thing to look at, if they both get sore, but one more than the other, chk your caffiene intake. Some women continue to lactate a tiny bit, but it does need to be chkd out.
The breast tissue changes as we age and changes alot during childbirth, etc. It could be too much caffiene and fibercystic breast tissue. But if only one is sore and the other is perfectly normal, I would suggest getting it chkd soon. Could be an infection. Ussually, pain is not associated with really bad breast issues...normally...that is not to say it cannot be.
Another thing too, if you are still with a partner and have been the entire time, it could be that stimulation to the breast, ie...during sexual activity or while sleeping ( if it is the side he cuddles in his sleep) could keep it stimulated just enough to keep a few glands active.
But, ultimately it needs to be checked by your Dr. For a definate answer.
Beer consumption will keep the milk glands active too.