Breast Milk 16 Months Later? (Never Breastfed)

I tried breastfeeding my daughter but I was never able to fully do it, so I gave up at 8 weeks. It took until she 3 years old, for me to completely stop producing. I always thought that was odd too, but my doctor told me it was completely possible.

A.,

I would agree with Rachael about a second opinion or ultrasound. I also had leaking last spring and when I went to the doctor a mammogram showed I had DCIS breast cancer. This is a cancer that is in the duct work of your breast and usually can't be felt. It is a non-invasive type of cancer which I caught at stage 0. I had to have a mastectomy but no radiation or chemo and it had not spread outside of my breast. I had originally thought the leaking was somewhat normal and possibly a side effect of my miscarriage I had about 6 months earlier since the leaking start around the time I would have been having the baby. Also the discharge was a normla milky color so I again thought it was okay. A little voice told me just go to the doc and get some piece of mind that it was nothing and boy was I glad I listened to that voice. Since you have already had the U/S that would make me feel a little better but I would probably still seek a mammogram. I was told my DCIS was a slow growing cancer and I had probably had it for awhile. I think sometimes we are just looking for the lumps in our breast but I didn't even have one and my cancer was all through out my breast so I had to have a complete masectomy rather than just a lumpectomy. Now I listen to that voice inside me and report ANY changes in my breast to my doc. Good luck and I hope this didn't scare, but I know as one mother to another the most important thing to us is to be around to see our kids grow up.Please feel free to email me with any questions. If you would like a second opinion,I was treated at the U of M Breast Care Center I think those docs are the best. Take Care.

I have a 2 1/2 yr old and never breast fed. I too will have a milky discharge from my nipples. It only happens if I apply pressure near the nipple. It dosen't leak out at any other time and it happens on both sides.....I have had two misscarraiges in the last six months so I am not sure if that is a factor. My sister in law has a son the same age as mine and has experienced the same thing. I think you cannot go wrong if you ask a physician just to be safe. I am sure I will.

Good luck to the reader with DCIS.

Ironically enough. I too have a 16 mos and a 2.5 year. I did breastfeed, but it has been some time and I also thought I was dried up. I've noticed the same thing. Hope this helps. I am not overly concerned about it. It didn't seem unnatural. Just unusual.

Find another Dr. for second oppinion cause that does not sound right!

To be completely honest, I had this happen to me two or three years BEFORE I had my daughter. Had never been pregnant, never miscarried, I was absolutely freaked out. I went to my OBGYN and she did the examination and sent out a sample of the fluid. It all came back normal. She said that it happens all the time to women. If you and your doctors have reviewed the situation and it's okay ~ go with that and don't worry yourself about it because worrying can lead to so many other problems. Just keep up with normal breast exams and take care of yourself. Hope this helps a little. Take care of yourself and God bless.

I have the same thing happening. I have 4 children and did breastfeed all of them for a few months with the exception to the last one with I did for a year. I haven't had it just come out though, it only happens when there is pressure on my breast like leaning over the tub to scrub it or if my kids are being rough climbing all over me, stuff like that. This has happened since my first child and I have done everything possible to make sure it's not a problem.
Now I don't want to freak you out but my mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I have been reading alot about it and I remember seeing some where that a discharge from the breast is SOMETIMES, I stress sometimes, a symptom of something going wrong. It sounds like you have had it examined completely but you can't be to careful. Since you didn't breastfeed your kids and it sounds like it's just coming out on it's own, I'd see another doctor for a second opinion and maybe a mamogram. It's a much better read of breast tissue then an ultrasound. You just can't be to careful when you have 2 little ones to care for. Rachelle

I have been told on several occassions that once you have children and produce milk you can start your milk again at any time. A little history note - Indian grandomothers would re-start their milk when their daughters had a baby so their daugthers could go back to working in the fields right after having a baby. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless it continues or if it starts changing color. Good luck. S.

Are you on any medication? My sister had that happen, she was on Reglan for some stomach problems and her doctor said that lactation was a side effect.

A., Wow, what a great question! I've read most of these responses and the answers are all different...I imagine it's due to the fact that this is one of those things our mother's never talked about. I did breastfeed. My youngest is 3.5 and I just recently noticed the little drops have seemed to stopped. Sometimes I would feel a sensation (like milk rushing in) during that time of the month, so I always attributed it to horomones. I have never been concerned about it or thought to ask a doctor, but if you are, then definately pursue your gut. Do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable about it. It's nice to see all of the response over this topic. Hopefully you no longer feel weirded out or alone in this.
God Bless,
S.