Question

Ambermom043

I've heard that you shouldn't let the warm water hit your breasts while in the shower to avoid engorgement.. But I'm also hearing women suggest taking a warm shower for other things. So I'm getting very conflicting opinions, and I can't seem to find answers on Google. My question is, do you all let the warm/hot water run down your "front" when showering? If so, has it had any effect on your breasts, or production? Cause I want to soak up a long hot shower SOOO bad! But the fact that I can't face the water stops me from enjoying what WAS a major source of relaxation for me... TIA!!

CaliforniaDream87

I can't imagine why you would avoid letting hot water hit your breasts. I become engorged (if I don't pump on time) no matter what and a lot of times that hot shower saves my life. I also like to take a hot shower and then pump right away as it really gets things flowing.

To each their own but hot showers are one of the best things in life right now.

holli0801

I haven't heard you shouldn't. I was told a warm compress helps avoid engorgement and clogged milk duct.. I've had lots of warm baths (breasts submerged) and haven't had problems. Could check with your doc or LC for sure... But I'd say enjoy your shower!!

Ambermom043

@CaliforniaDream87 Several nurses in L&A told me not to let it hit my breasts or I'll become engorged.. I was heartbroken, because there's nothing better than taking a long hot shower! Well, that's good enough for me! I'm doing it!

emmacake08

Enjoy your shower! You may get a letdown and sometimes the water spray can be sensitive on your nips but the act of showering has never caused any breast related problems. I leak coming out of the shower onto my bath mat :P

breezymeema7

Girl, turn the hot water on, get in, and enjoy! The times I get to enjoy a hot shower by myself I stand in there and praise God for how wonderful it is.

kettlekitten

Ambermom043 said:

@CaliforniaDream87 Several nurses in L&A told me not to let it hit my breasts or I'll become engorged.. I was heartbroken, because there's nothing better than taking a long hot shower! Well, that's good enough for me! I'm doing it!

Can't imagine why they would say that, especially given the standard advice for getting milk flow going is to use warm water or warm moist compresses.

hjphillips

I always apply nipple cream before my showers, because the spray can hurt like a bitch on your nipples. Otherwise I can't see why not to shower. I was told not to let the water hit my boobs if I was interested in giving up breastfeeding, because it can trigger a letdown.

I dunno, everyone tells you something different, it seems.

Ambermom043

You all are making my night! I can't wait for DH to get home so I can indulge...

candicejeff2013

I've been taking hot showers since being home from hospital. If it had adverse affects I wouldn't know. Take a hot shower lol !

tarheelgirl8

Take a hot shower! It's the best. Showers are fine as far as I know. Although my LC did recommend trying to keep soap off my nipples when showering. She said soap can dry them out which can make BF more painful

Wering

I was told you shouldn't when I had my first daughter. But after a week, I decided that was for the birds. I actually used it to help stimulate a quick "recharge" so that I could pump, shower, then feed my daughter before work. It may or may not encourage a letdown reflex; if you find it's causing you an issue, pump your engorgement away and then change your routine.