Dealing with sore breasts after m/c?

[lostandhurt]

So to make things worse after my D&C...I've noticed that my breasts are now swollen and hard.  I guess that I should have figured that they would be since I m/c a little later into my pregnancy and must have produced some milk already.  What can be done to relieve the pain/pressure?  Does it go away naturally?  How long does it take?  I hate having them as yet another reminder that I should have a baby here to breastfeed...instead of huge, useless breasts.  Will they ever go back to pre-pregnancy?  

[DMarie919]

I used ace wraps to help provide compression.  Also I have heard cabbage leaves help.  I know that sounds strange...but that was the advice from a nurse at the hospital...I never tried it though...
I am so so sorry...its like every little thing is a reminder of what we should have but dont and we are left with all the crappy side effects and symptoms of post partum but without the baby in our arms to soften the blow.  I remember being hot and sweaty at night and just carrying around the extra 5 or so pounds i had gained was just a real constant reminder...I felt like i didn't fit into anything and it really was annoying to say the least.  
Dont be surprised if you have the "baby blues" also....because of all the hormones I know that doesnt help....things will get back to normal eventually....again, I'm sorry you have to go through this...

[suzanna40]

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I too had a D&E and for the past 2 weeks have been lactating with very sore breasts.  Unfortunately there seems to be little to help, but I have found the following advice given to me useful.  

Try not to stimulate your breasts too much and don't put them under a hot shower although it may help immediately it over-stimulates them and makes the symptoms last longer.  Wear a bra size smaller than your current one - it is uncomfortable, but does help (I wore mine constantly for the first 10 days and now take it off at night). I used cold compresses on my breasts when they were particularly sore for around 5-10 minutes a time - this did seem to ease the painfulness, If they get very sore take a paracetomol or similar just to take the edge of the aching.  

It is 2 weeks since my D&E and I found the first week in particular extremely confusing and distressing as my breasts were huge, full and extremely sore with no baby to nurture.  Although I am still getting sore breasts and slightly lactating, my breasts are getting back to their usual texture (for wanting of a better word there!) and reducing in size.  I am hoping that this will continue, but unfortunately it does take time.  I hope this helps you.