So sorry, Roxy! I'm sure they told you to wear a tight sports bra and don't let the water fall directly on your breasts in the shower. I know some people express some of the milk for relief, but I think that could slow things down. I think the best thing you can do is to leave things alone as much as possible.
You were father along than I was, and that could make a difference, but it'll be over soon. For me that was painful too because it felt like loosing the last physical connection I had to her, the last part of my pregnancy...
Best wishes!

So sorry for your loss. My son Stephen was born sleeping at 34 weeks. I agree that the best thing is to leave things alone. It was painful for a good two weeks for me, but definitely got better after that. Sometimes I would just push on the very outside in the shower just to relieve a little of the pressure. I would also suggest warm towels (like steamed in the microwave). Wishing you the best.

Nicole

Thinking of you. I was told a tight sports bra as MaryNova said and not to let warm/hot water fall on the breasts AT ALL in the shower as she said. Maybe no water at all but I know in particular, heat is not good when you want the milk and engorgement to go away. Also, I was told to put cabbage leaves in my bra that this can soothe the pain. I know it sounds bizarre but it does work. Google it.

Roxy I am so sorry about the loss of your precious baby girl. I wore a tight bra and would put bags of ice on my chest for 20-30you min at a time a few times a day. Again I am so sorry hun, sending you much love and many hugs.

It only took about a week for me i used alot of cabbage and ALWAYS wore a bra. I was told to do a tight sports bra but it hurt so much i couldnt do it. I took hot baths before bed and would soak by breasts some milk would come out and it gave me enough relief that i could srest a little at night.. Sleep doesnt come easy for a long time so any thing i could do to rest helped. So sorry for your loss.

My doctor said to avoid the tub until I had stopped bleeding (sorry tmi) but to use warm compresses. While he did not say to use ice or cold, I know several ladies who did when they opted not to nurse. Perhaps try both and see what works. Again, this was my first time trying to stop milk production and it took about two weeks.

Thanks ladies, with my son I would use heat but was breastfeeding. I never thought I'd have to find a way to stop it. This is such a cruel reminder that my daughter is gone.

I agree. That was a terrible physical reminder that Stephen was not with me. After nursing my three girls, I found this hurdle (trying to stop making milk) nearly paralizing and would almost collapse every time I took a shower and felt the milk let down slightly. I truly wish you peace during this difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss. This post really reminded me of how hard those first few days were - my milk started leaking immediately after birth, and I was totally engorged by the following night. I had so looked forward to nursing... I would cry every time I would see it leak out.

Definitely avoid heat. It will feel really good, but it'll just encourage more milk to come in. I couldn't wear a tight bra because it was excruciating, but I did wear a sports bra and iced my breasts several times a day. If you use chilled cabbage leaves, break the veins first. And don't leave them on too long (I found this out the hard way - stinky!). I've heard peppermint oil applied directly to the breasts helps, and lots of peppermint tea. Oh, and avoid beer! It encourages milk.

My milk took a little over two weeks to dry up, and I was doing everything possible to avoid encouraging more production. Good luck - I hope you are not in physical pain too much longer.

*hugs*

I just went through this a week ago. Chilled cabbage was my best friend as was ice packs. Dr. Said no heat and not to let hot water in shower hit them. Took about 10 days for it to go away. I'm 3 weeks out from delivery and not engorged though I still leak every now and then. Mostly when I'm around my niece who is 6 months and she cries. It takes awhile, but it does get better. Couldn't agree more that it is such a cruel reminder of what's lost.