Sounds like a Ductal Spasm. Not uncommon, especially in first time nursing 
moms. (Although it can happen during any nursing situation.) Unlikely there is 
actually "milk left" in the breast, as most milk is made during the feeding, and 
only small amounts stored in the ducts. It may FEEL like milk is left, but usually 
most of the milk already in the ducts is transferred to the baby during and 
right after the let down. If the baby was only on the breast a minute or two, 
there could be milk "left" but that is not what is causing the discomfort.

Ductal spasms occur (we believe) when a breast, usually which has not been 
used before, starts to transfer milk and the some of the previously unused 
ducts spasm at the first few weeks of usage. Some women, most commonly 
those with Overactive Ejection, may feel strong almost "menstrual like" 
contractions in the ducts of one or both breasts after a feed. 

Warm compresses (especially warm, moist ones, if she has the time to get to 
them) and perhaps some Tylenol or Motrin can do wonders for the discomfort. 
Getting the compress onto the breast right after the feed is helpful, before the 
spasm hits. Some feel that pre-Feed compresses are also helpful. 

With most women, this problem resolves itself as the breast or breasts 
get "used to" making and transferring milk. 

However, be on the lookout for plugged ducts and/or mastitis. The 
presentation of plugged ducts is different, as one can almost always feel the 
plug, and massage, frequent nursing, warm compresses and making sure mom 
has enough sodium in her diet should resolve the plug in a few days. If it is a 
Plugged Duct, make sure her bra fits her properly. I, personally, found (as I 
had OER and Ductal Spasms, and frequent Plugged Ducts with my children) 
that going without a bra during the early morning hours was very helpful. (I 
would leak so much I had to lie on a large towel.) 

With Mastitis, she would would most likely experience pretty severe pain, rapid 
onset,  fever, nausea, headache, muscle pain, and flu like symptoms. (not 
always ALL of these, but the presentation is usually rapid and severe.) She 
may or may not have a palpable plug, as well. Fluid,Warm Compresses, REST, 
frequent nursing, and, if not resolved or high fever occurs or mother appears 
VERY sick, her doctor should be contacted for some Cloxicillan or Dicloxicillian 
to treat the infection. If she is allergic to "Cillins" than Cephalpsporans can be 
used. For most Mastitis, Amoxil is usually not helpful, and may even cause a 
SuperInfection. (Although Augmentin can be helpful in some cases.)  Mothers 
with Mastitis need lots of rest, fluid, warm compresses, and often, some pain 
medication. I have seen fevers as high as 105 F in grown women with Rapid 
Onset Mastitis, so it needs to be carefully watched. 

But, as this case sounds very much like simple Ductal Spasm. Just keep an eye 
out for anything more severe. 

Good luck. 

Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL
Private Practice

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome