Summarize the following:
They will become heavy and sore and you will likely be uncomfortable. The feeling of engorgement can be very painful your breasts will feel tender, bruised, and very firm and can last for two to three days. If your breasts become warm to the touch or if you see red streaks, or if you develop a temperature greater than 100.4F (38C), contact your doctor immediately because you may have an infection. You may also experience a plugged milk duct, which frequently occurs when nursing stops abruptly due to engorgement. A plugged duct feels like a hard knot in the breast and is tender to the touch. Plugged ducts should be treated by using warm compresses and gentle massage on the lump. See your doctor if it does not improve in a day; it might indicate an infection. Leaking is common during the weaning process, especially after you have missed a couple of feedings and your breasts become engorged. You may find that the sound of your baby crying or even just thinking about your baby will cause your breasts to leak. This is normal and will not last more than a few days. Purchase nursing pads from the store to absorb any unexpected leaks. Nursing burns extra calories, so unless you also cut back on your calorie intake, you will gain weight when you wean your baby. Because weaning can be hard on your body, it's best to begin reducing calories gradually rather than to go on a drastic diet right away. If you want to continue taking in as many calories as you did while you nursed, you will need to increase your activity level to burn off those calories. It may take the body several weeks or longer to totally return to the pre-pregnancy state and until it does, your hormones may be out of balance. For some women, feelings similar to postpartum baby blues are common. This can include feelings of irritability, anxiety, and weepiness and a general down feeling. Sometimes these feelings can lead to depression. Contact your doctor if you don't feel like yourself. Weaning can be difficult physically and emotionally and you may need someone to talk to. Talk to a friend or lactation consultant about the weaning process and what you are experiencing. Sometimes just hearing that your experience is normal can be reassuring. Consider contacting the La Leche League International for additional help and support. Their website http://www.llli.org/ is easy to understand and can be an excellent resource for mothers trying to wean. If at any time you feel helpless or hopeless, or if guilt or anxiety becomes overwhelming, call 911 for immediate support or schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss options to manage your anxiety.
Anticipate that your breasts will become engorged and filled with milk. Expect leakage from your breasts, which can last several weeks. Realize that weight gain is likely when nursing stops. Recognize that hormonal changes during weaning can affect your mood. Get support if you need it.