T.C. asks from Bowling Green, MO on March 24, 2008
Lactation After Weaning
I weaned my one year old two months ago from breastfeeding. I gradually weaned her and am not engorged, but I am still producing milk. Is this normal? Should I seek professional help with this matter?
So What Happened?™
Thanks to everyone for their great advice and support. I did make an appointment to see my ob/gyn. It will put me at ease, just to make sure my hormone levels and everything else is ok. I am trying the tight sports bra out for a couple of weeks, like suggested. We'll see if that helps any. I will let everyone know what the doctor has to say. Thanks again for your kind (sometimes funny) words.
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J.R. answers from St. Louis on March 30, 2008
My mom is 46 years old and she still has milk and she hasn't bresatfed since I was a yr old and I'm 23 now. She did have my brother 2 1/2 years after me but never breastfed him. But for some reason she lactates to this day! My best friend also still lactiate and her last child is going to be 4 this year so I have no clue what to do about it but I don't think it's a major problem as far as something being wrong! I think everyone is different on how their bodies react to things!
J.
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M.N. answers from St. Louis on March 24, 2008
T.,
Leakage can occur anywhere from one to two years after nursing. Reduce stimulation as suggested prior. Also, if it is a sizable amount, your body could be telling you that you stopped before nature was ready. If you can express and/or pump some for storage do so, and save it for your baby for times of a cold. Breast milk is a great cold-releiver.
Good luck, M. N.
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G.N. answers from St. Louis on March 24, 2008
I heard it was normal. It could take up to a year before the milk dries up. I never had leakeage. Are you leaking? If so wear a bra to bed with a nursing pad in your bra until you do dry up. You will eveentually stop producing milk. It takes awhile before the body knows it dont need to produce milk. Any kind of stimulation to the breast will keep the milk coming. Tell hubby hands off. LOL
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J.K. answers from St. Louis on March 25, 2008
Hello. From everything I have ever read about it, it is perfectly normal to keep producing milk for even up to a year or more after weaning. If you're not engorged, I wouldn't worry about it unless you're trying to get pregnant again and having difficulty.
M.N. answers from St. Louis on March 25, 2008
Yes, it's very normal. If it would make you feel better you could contact your obgyn, but it is very normal. It will eventually dry up.
C.K. answers from St. Louis on March 25, 2008
Hi T. - what do you mean - still producing milk? a little or a lot which needs to be expressed? After nursing 3 children, I continued to have a small amount of "milk" I spoke with the doctor and he did some tests on the "milk" but nothing showed up abnormal. He said stimulation could be from intimacy with my spouse was probably the cause. I continued having a small amount for years, no leakage or problems- just could express - still you should talk to your medical care provider to relieve your concerns. You are too important to your family to have this worrying you.
P.L. answers from Columbia on March 29, 2008
I produced milk for 2 years after weaning my son. My doctor told me if I wasn't engorged and didn't have any other problems such a mastitus, there was no reason to be concerned. It finally got to the point where I only noticed milk when I took a hot shower and finally stopped. I wouldn't worry unless you start having problems.
J.M. answers from St. Louis on March 25, 2008
I'd suggest giving Kangaroo Kids a call at ###-###-####. They're open 7 days and have lactation consultants on hand to talk free of charge. They're great, incredibly supportive, and a great place to go for an outing with the kiddos - toys and books to play with, and even a cafe!
K.V. answers from Kansas City on March 25, 2008
Yes actually it is normal. I am almost 45 and i was still
getting something out of my breast for a long time after
i quit nursing as well. It takes awhile. So don't worry.
But if it would make you feel better go see the dr.
But i asked the same question. And they told me it
would dry up eventually and for the most part it has.
My best to you!
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