Lumpy Breasts After Weaning from Nursing

Updated on May 20, 2009
T.S. asks from Langhorne, PA
8 answers

I weaned my son (almost 15 months old) from breastfeeding about 3 weeks ago with no problem. My breasts seemed back to normal with no engorgement or anything. But, last night while I was showering, I felt a bunch of lumps (that are also visible too) on my left breast (and a little one on the right side). The lumps are just outside of my areola area. They are a bit sore to the touch. I'm confused as to why I am lumpy now all of a sudden. I am in the middle of my period now (which just came back last month – I was in the weaning process then)... don't know if that has anything to do with it. I just don't know if this is normal or if I should be calling the doctor.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the help! I massaged them while I was in the shower yesterday and found that I was able to express some milk which helped reduce the lumps and pain. I've never expressed with my hands (always used my pump) so it took a long time, but I feel much better. I think I'll try doing this in the shower for a while so I don't go filling up and getting lumpy again. If it gets bad, I'll try the cabbage (can't figure out why that works). Thanks so much!

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J.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had this too and I was engorged. I started pumping for 5 mins once for the first day and the next day I decreased to 4 mins. every day I decreased pumping that one time a day by 1 min until I was done pumping. I also applied cabbage leaves after pumping. this was all recommended by a lactation consultant. It worked and the engorgement was gone! try it and see if it works! good luck. feel free to contact me with any questions.

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B.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The same thing happened to me after weaning. The lumps lasted for a couple weeks, or maybe a few, but they gradually got smaller and smaller, and then disappeared.

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M.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

It happened to me too and it lasted about 2 months before they went totally back to normal. My OB told me this is normal as your breast tissue recovers. I also used cabbage leaves and they were very soothing.

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D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hey this happened to me too when I stopped breast feeding. I used my pump and got about an ounce out and no more lumps. I think it was just clogged ducts. Anyway, I would try that or cabbage leaves and pumping. Good luck and if it gets too painful, def call your dr or obgyn.

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D.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

I got some lumps when I stopped nursing each of my kids as well. They did go away in time. I would still call your doc and let them know. It doesn't hurt to be seen, but I am sure its related to weaning so try not to worry too much.

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T.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Similar thing happened to me. I weaned, then the whole family got a stomach virus the week afterward. I didn't get "lumpy" until about 3 weeks later and SORE. My girlfriend suggested cabbage leaves in my bra and warm showers with massage. When I showered, I did have milk still, so expressing a little did help me feel better.

If it goes on past that, do contact your doctor. I was advised to, but luckily these remedies helped and I was back to lump-free quickly:)

Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi T.,

It may be some clogged milk ducts. Try massaging them in the shower while using warm water. If they don't go away in a day, I would definitely call the Dr.

Congrats on breastfeeding your baby for such a long time - you should feel so proud!!

J.

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B.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't recall this problem but it would be worth a call to your gyne for at least peace of mind.

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