Milk in - Should I pump?

sarelewis

Milk has been in for a couple days now. #2 is back up above her birth weight at just 5 days old, so we KNOW she's eating enough. I seem to be overproducing already (did this with #1.) I have had to pump and empty my breast a couple times. First time got 6 oz, the second time I got 10 oz. Should I continue to pump throughout the day to relieve the pressure or just let my body acclimate to her supply needs and suffer through the engorgement?

doremi29

I'd pump as alittle as possible, but I know for me, DD had trouble latching on if I was too full, so I'd have to pump a bit to get her started.

bhawk0527

Let your body adjust

=Lee=B

Let your body adjust but if you need a good freezer stash then you can pump and freeze now to get a good start.  I've been trying for weeks to store some milk and have a whole 6oz!!!  Every time I get a couple ounces I end up needing to use it and I am finding it hard to get any stock at all.

MrsWindyCity

If you already have an oversupply, I would try not to pump unless necessary (and then just to relieve pressure, not to empty your breasts completely).

lightgetsin

MrsWindyCity:

If you already have an oversupply, I would try not to pump unless necessary (and then just to relieve pressure, not to empty your breasts completely).

totally

youenjoymyself

Gosh, I wish I had that problem. I'm struggling to pump 6 oz a day for DD's freezer stash for once she starts daycare in 2 weeks!

RussianMommy

Like PP, don't pump too much. If anything, feed baby more, I had engorgement issues and I hand expressed in the shower to relieve pressure. Also laid in a hot bath with 2 wash cloths over my boobs. The heat is supposed to help

If you keep pumping, your body is just going to keep making more and more milk. Start pumping again once you've established a good supply

katemcgT

Avoid pumping! I found letting the opposite side that baby wasn't nursing on drain into a towel or something while she nursed helped regulate and empty my boobs. My engorgement issues seemed to resolved much faster by doing this! Goodluck!

tilsonc

sarelewis:

Milk has been in for a couple days now. #2 is back up above her birth weight at just 5 days old, so we KNOW she's eating enough. I seem to be overproducing already (did this with #1.) I have had to pump and empty my breast a couple times. First time got 6 oz, the second time I got 10 oz. Should I continue to pump throughout the day to relieve the pressure or just let my body acclimate to her supply needs and suffer through the engorgement?

 

Wow, wish I had that issue! 

virginiagirl11

I was in the same boat last week, although when I pumped, I only got 5 oz total.  Pump only to relieve pressure. Otherwise, you'll produce even more milk. I read on Kellymom that you can also damage your breast tissue by pumping too much during engorgement.

Green cabbage leaves are an effective way to relieve engorgement. I think Kellymom said 20 minutes three times per day. Don't overuse them or it will actually reduce your supply. But using them appropriately definitely helps.

You should start feeling relief naturally in a few days even if you do nothing at this point. GL!