over supply?

kcbrandle

Whenever DS sleeps for more than three hours my breasts become engorged.  Once they are engorged it seems my nipples flatten out even more and when DS is ready to eat, it is more challenging.  He has a bit more difficulty latching on and milk is spraying/pouring everywhere.  I have been pumping a bit to relieve engorgement and help with the nipple situation, but am worried I am going to increase supply even more. 

DS has started sleeping 4 hour stretches at night this week and I wake up in pain, milk leaking everywhere.  Thoughts?

madhatter2003

Your supply will adjust....it just takes time.  Make sure you are pumping just enough to relieve the pressure and not too much that you are increasing your supply.  But in a few weeks you'll even out.

 

smiley007

madhatter2003:

Your supply will adjust....it just takes time.  Make sure you are pumping just enough to relieve the pressure and not too much that you are increasing your supply.  But in a few weeks you'll even out.

 

This! it's so hard not to pump, but soon your supply will even out and you'll be able to go those longer stretches no problem.

laura&dan05

Maybe instead of pumping you could just hand express a small amount?  It's really uncomfortable to drop a feeding but the good news is that it only lasts for a few days.  My dd usually always wakes up between 3-4am to nurse and she didn't last night and I woke up soaked!  I had to change my shirt and the sheets.  I slept in a nursing bra and used nursing pads until about a month ago.  I still put in nursing pads when I leave the house to help with the occasional leak.

BarnStar

I agree with pp - just hand express a little into a warm washcloth to relieve the intense pressure. Then when you are ready to feed your LO, use a scissor hold (make a peace sign, and turn it sideways across your nipple) to help push your nipple out a little for a better latch. Good luck! It does get better as your supply regulates - I promise!

Stacyc625

don't pump because you are just going to make it worse. it will even out usually around week 12. if you need to relieve the pressure take a shower and let the milk drip.

Tara&Ryan

I am in the same situation and my LO is only 5 days old.  She eats great, but I still feel like Im going to explode with milk. It hurts so bad and stings too!

miababy

My LC recommended using cold compresses in between feedings.  I was having the problem of low supply.  After taking herbs for several weeks, I've got overactive letdown.  I just can't seem to win!