Overproducing? Or normal? Help!

cdmiesuk

I am not sure if maybe I am overproducing, or not feeding enough, or what, but I notice that every hour or so I start to feel like I am going to pop. It is really pretty painful, and my 9 day old won't quite eat that often at this point. He is doing really well with nursing, but I am soaking my breast pads very fast, and I am not sure what to do about it. I don't really want to decrease my supply, of course, but I'd like to not be in pain, and making a mess all of the time. I have a hand pump that I could use to take the edge off once in a while, and then I'd also be able to store a little bit, but I am afraid I'll mess something up, since DS is feeding so well now. Any ideas? TIA

rosiemomma

pumping will just increase milk production, your body is still adjusting to your babies needs, the best thing to do is just nurse on babies cue.  Leaking can  be annoying, having good breast-pads can really help, I even have seen a thing for leaking called a 'milk-saver' it is a breast pad that stores the milk for you... I never have used these but if I was a working mom who leaked I would have tried it!

I refer to kellymom often it is super helpful on most topics:

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/engorgement.html

you sound like your experiencing normal engorgement but for more on oversupply click here:

https://kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html 

Broadway1

At this point your supply is still regulating. If you just wait, it will even out. 

That said, I would go ahead and pump and store it, especially if you are going back to work at some point.

I would nurse and pump if I was uncomfortable when my LO was that young. Now I'm back at work and have a great supply (I get between 12 and 16 oz in two sessions each day).

cdmiesuk

Thanks for all your responses, I guess I'll just have to deal with it a little longer until my body figures it all out. I may also try pumping a tiny bit on the side he doesn't nurse from (he usually falls asleep after one side.) He also makes these little noises in his sleep that make me leak like crazy, and even more sore, just as much as if he were crying. I guess I'm just sensitive to that sort of thing...

daniella2727

It will take time but your body will eventually figure out what your LO needs and slow down production. It is very normal experience at 9 days old!  It will take a few weeks before you are not soaking through clothes etc. and when a baby cries, even if not yours, watch out...milk will come out!