Baby is 4m, pain and engorgement?? Help!

busygal · May 2009

So we have been pretty much EBF (occasionally I have pumped a bottle, but DD has never had formula and I have never skipped one of her feedings).

The last couple days she is sleeping through the night. Last feed starts 6:45 or 7, goes for at least 30-40 min (much longer than it used to but I figure that's because she's getting bigger and is sleeping longer). She has woken up at 5:30 or 6 am each of these days. I've had to get up earlier (like 3 or 4 a.m.) to pump because I'm still so engorged.

This morning I woke up at 5 and pumped 4oz from one side in like 6 minutes, and the boob was barely even softened. This afternoon, that boob is hot and sore, from the nip back to my armpit. It doesn't have one specific hard spot, and it doesn't really look red, but I'm very uncomfortable. Almost in tears. Thoughts? I have been trying to nurse her as much as she'll take, but I hate to pump more than absolutely necessary since they tell you that just increases your supply.

desmerelda317 · May 2009

The heat is what worries me and makes me think breast infection. You're right to continue nursing her. Maybe call your doctor and see what he/she says. When I had mastitis (DS was only 2 1/2 weeks - we started off with a bang!) my doctor could diagnose me over the phone by me explaining my symptoms and he called in a prescription to walgreens for me. Didn't even have to go in for an appointment.