How long for breasts to return to 'normal'

djtonyb · 29 March 2007 at 11:39AM

Calling all ladies who have breastfed. how long should it take for the boobies to stop "oozing"?

I sucessfully fed Emma for 13 months and she is 3 tomorrow. If i massage my breasts I can express a little milky fluid out of each one. I would have thought this would have gone by now and was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this?

welshcakes · 29 March 2007 at 11:53AM

Hi dj

I am a lady and I breastfed all my babies so I put my hand in the air to answer!

Guess what, I finished feeding my youngest nearly 7 years ago and yes, if massaged with medium force (that sounds peverse but you know what I mean), I still produce milk albeit a minute amount. It isn't unusual and unless it is causing a problem, should be ignored.

Onto more intimate matters, depending on your hubby's preference, you may find that regular stimulation will encourage the milk glands behind the nipple & surrounding area to start producing an increasing amount. If this is the case, have a chat with your gp as they've plenty of experience dealing with this; it is possible to 'dry up' the supply with a short course of prescription meds.

dianadors · 29 March 2007 at 1:12PM

They stop - Eventually. But as for returning to normal - never.

EthelBloggs · 29 March 2007 at 1:16PM

ermmm.. my youngest is gonna be 15 in a couple of weeks and guess what.. I've still got that little bit of milk too

Alikay · 29 March 2007 at 1:32PM

I think lots of mums with big kids can squeeze a bit out if they poke around for long enough!!:D
Could be a lifesaver: I remember seeing on TV years ago a wizened old lady breastfeeding her grandchild after its mum starved to death in the Sudan

Agutka · 29 March 2007 at 2:08PM

This should be on the 'things no one ever tells you about pregnancy' thread!! Good grief!

silvercar · 29 March 2007 at 2:25PM

One last feed 5 mine each side should clear you out without increasing demand. The other thing you could try is having a sauna; worked for me!

Snaggles · 29 March 2007 at 4:06PM

My son is 6 and I still had a tiny bit of milk.....I say 'had' because I'm now expecting again (34 weeks) and am fully loaded and ready to go, milk-wise, lol!