Correcting hindmilk imbalance - quick question

Julias Table

So, to correct possible hindmilk imbalance, I nurse on one side for several feedings straight and pump the other breast if needed just enough to not be engorged or in pain.

So........when I do go back to the other breast, wont that be to full of foremilk ( since it has been so long since I nursed on it?) and have the same problem again?

I think I am missing something Im sure.

tinkermom2010

I usually pump until they are even and then breastfeed each side at each feeding it helps keep me balanced.

ncbelle

In the short term (although baby will have gotten more hindmilk off the first breast from the more frequent nursing).  After a few days, your production should go down which will lessen your overall foremilk - that's the goal of block nursing.  After a few days, you can go back to a regular nursing pattern (although I always just nursed one side; alternating sides for each feeding after my oversupply chilled).

ncbelle

And also...don't pump!!  Hand express if you need to take the edge off.  Pumping will just tell your body to make more milk which defeats the purpose of block feeding.

austenreader85

ncbelle:

In the short term (although baby will have gotten more hindmilk off the first breast from the more frequent nursing).  After a few days, your production should go down which will lessen your overall foremilk - that's the goal of block nursing.  After a few days, you can go back to a regular nursing pattern (although I always just nursed one side; alternating sides for each feeding after my oversupply chilled).

This.  And actually you won't be full of foremilk.  Your breast will remain full long enough to trigger the milk inhibitor protein to take effect.  That's what tells your body to make less milk, as it's not needed.  The pumping on the other side should really only be like 20 seconds.  What it meant for me is that LO didn't usually completely drain the breast so I felt more engorged for a day or two.  But LO will be getting less foremilk even if he ends up with less hind milk because you're only doing one side per feeding and continuing on that side for at least one more feeding.  It's when you feed on one side until empty and then offer the other side and LO usually only gets the foremilk on that side that they end up with more foremilk (and the real problem is the sugary lactose in it) than they can stomach. 

Read on Kellymom and the LaLeche League site for more information.  I saw an improvement with LO by the end of the first day.  It took about 3 days for my breasts to start getting the hang of it.  You may want to have some cold compresses on hand and lots and lots of nursing pads and be prepared for leaking.  I still only need to nurse on one side per feeding.  Every once in a while LO will not eat very long (less than 10 mintues) and then want to eat again less than 2 hours later.  I remain on the same side for that additional feeding.  Otherwise he does 15-20 minutes on one side and is good for 3 hours or so.

austenreader85

ncbelle:

And also...don't pump!!  Hand express if you need to take the edge off.  Pumping will just tell your body to make more milk which defeats the purpose of block feeding.

I also second this.  Hand expressing was messier, but easier to just take the edge off.  As I said in my other reply, you're looking at around 20-30 seconds.  Try to only do it a few times before LO eats on that side.  The less the better and the faster your body will understand to make less milk.

Julias Table

Thanks! Great info!!