Brief Answer:
The pain and milk will go away, but tight bras and ice packs can help

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Women who lose a pregnancy can develop milk production afterwards, and the length of time that it persists is dependent upon the gestational age of the pregnancy. The more far along you were, the longer the milk hormone will persist in your body.

In order for your breast soreness to decrease in your breast to stop producing milk, there must be no stimulation of the nipple and breast for period of time which will signal your body to stop making the hormone that promotes lactation. This process normally will take about two weeks. In the meantime, the best way to combat the soreness is to wear tight, supportive bras like sports bras even while sleeping. Applying ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to each breast (midwives find that freezing a head of cabbage and using the cup-shaped leaves to cup over the breasts creates a soothing a properly shaped ice pack) can help relieve the swelling. Ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medication also will reduce the pain.

Taking medication to reduce milk production is not recommended because there are adverse effects that can be associated with the medication, and women do not usually stop lactating significantly slower than with natural means.

So again in summary, the best thing you can do is wear tight bra 24 hours a day and apply ice on-and-off for symptom relief. Anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen also can be helpful. Your breast likely will return to normal within two weeks.

If you develop any area of the breasts which looks bright red and is more painful than rest of the breast, or if you develop any discharge from the nipple that looks yellowish green or has a bad smell where you develop a high fever (greater than 101°F) you should see a physician for evaluation as this can be a symptom of a breast infection.

I hope that I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that this information was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

---

Brief Answer:
Yes, the symptoms should resolve in 2 to 4 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, and I apologize for the delayed reply.

Because you were in the second trimester, it will take longer for your body to return to a nonpregnant state than someone who's pregnancy ended in the first trimester. Most pregnancy hormone levels will be out of your system by four weeks and you certainly should have another normal menstrual cycle by 6 to 8 weeks. Your lactation should end long before that; 2 to 4 weeks is a good estimation.

Please feel free to get back to me if you do not feel better
by then or if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Dr. Brown

---