PNR: engorgement

JulyMomma2U2

So, we are trying to nurse again this time.. So far things have been going well, but I need some advice!  LC had me pumping after nursing prior to my milk being in hoping that it would stimulate my milk supply quicker (DS was 6-13 at birth and today was 6-3).. Milk came in today and holy engorgement batman!! I stopped pumping after feeds as soon as I realized my milk was in, but I now have such a forceful let down because I'm so full and DS is only interested in nursing 15-20 minutes at a time (he's been super sleepy since his circumcision yesterday)... I tried ice packs and they helped with the pan, but m still s full on both sides.. DS just isn't emptying me when I do get him to nurse... I thought about pumping just to tr and get sme of the fullness out, but am worrying that it may screw things up more?

Also.. DS tends to have 2-3 god feeds a day (30 min nursing sessions) but the rest tend to only be 15 minutes, and then he wants to eat about. A hour-an hour and a half apart? Sound normal?? LC said I just need to keep him awake longer to get him to feed better, but I've yet to figure out tha magic trick!!

Thanks in advance!! We jus got home today -- it's been a busy day, and I am SO sore.. I will likely regret not staying the 3rd night in the hospital come tomorrow morning, but I wanted to be home for DS1s first birthday!! I promise to post a picture soon and update on my birth story!! 

adoxyinherear

Omigosh, I feel your pain. Have you tried hand expressing just for a little relief? I used to hand express an ounce or so (Google it if you're not familiar, it's actually not hard at all once you get the hang of it, especially if you've got a good let down). It won't stimulate more milk production like pumping will, though if you have to pump to be comfortable, I'd pump. Your DS will regulate your supply over the next few weeks as he nurses better/more frequently, and I'd rather worry about correcting an oversupply down the road than risk infection now.

Glad you're home and everybody's settling in!

Junebug060609

I tended to either hand express or pump just enough to take the edge off if those situations.  Be mindful of things like clogged ducts if he's not emptying you though...would be worth a pump here & there to avoid that.  You could always start a freezer stash early if you'd like!

That type of nursing for a itty bitty squish sounds normal.  They graze around the clock and are often lazy/tired eaters (DS always fell asleep on the boob).  Some tricks to keep them awake: strip him down, damp cloth on him, tickles...pretty much try all you can.  Sometimes though there just is no keeping them awake and you just have to try again next time.

JulyMomma2U2

All wonderful advice!!! Thanks so much everyone!!

melly918

I agree with everyone's advice. Google "kellymom oversupply" as well, it was a good guide for me.  I had oversupply issues for a very long time as DD was and still is a grazer; she eats off one boob for 5 mins and she's done.  It took a long time for my breasts to regulate due to the inconsistent feeding on demand and her short sessions.  Hand express an ounce or two when you need to.  I pumped a lot during the early weeks and still have way too much frozen milk. 

 

ct103

I was horribly engorged when my milk came in as well. Oh the pain! I actually found that heat therapy, in the form of a shower or heating pad, followed by pumping for just a couple minutes on each side got me through that phase. Be careful not to over pump as this will trigger your body to make even more milk. I actually pumped a few mins before feeding DD so that my breast would be softer and easier for her to nurse from, and that helped her get more out. If not, it was like she was sucking a boulder. It also was much gentler on my sore and angry nipples. Also, I never tried this, but I heard that putting refrigerated cabbage leaves in your bra helps with the pain and swelling. And on that note, make sure you're wearing a supportive bra!