Hi Sharon
the milk leg you referred to is a translation of a latin term 'phlegmasia
alba dolens' which refers to thrombosis of the veins of the leg (iliofemoral).
The leg was described as white (or milk like) due to its colour, and not
due to any effect of milk or breastfeeding. Women were (and still are to
a certain extent) more prone to blood clots after delivery, especially in
the days when they were made to stay in bed for 10 days.
The clot would certainly have been very painful, and maybe the medication
which was used (if any) was a reason to wean in those days.
Hope this helps
Fiona Coombes
NMAA Breastfeeding Counsellor
Family Physician IBCLC
Perth Western Australia