Breastfeeding question about rock solid breasts

julieteve · December 2012

Even though LO is nursing great, I can't seem to empty to soften my breasts. I have been pumping as well to build up a good supply, but even when the milk seems to have slowed to a near stop, my breast are still rock solid. Not sure if there is really still milk in there that won't come out or there is something else going on. I doubt it is plugged ducts because they both seem hard all over rather than just in one place.

This is my third breastfed baby so I'm kind of surprised about this since I never encountered it before. Any ideas? Baby is just six days old so I'm guessing the problem may fix itself when my supply adjusts to what baby needs, but I'm not sure.

anonsouthernbell · December 2012

Are any areas hot/warm to the touch? Are you in a lot of pain?

julieteve · December 2012

Nope and nope. Just sore nipples as expected.

linzeek44 · December 2012

Pumping at six days old might be giving you an oversupply and exacerbating engorgement. I would nurse exclusively until 3 or 4 weeks and then start pumping once your supply has regulated a bit.

I would put warm heat on them and take ibuprofen if they hurt. If you are feeding on both sides, I would feed on one until it is soft, even if it means using the same breast for multiple feedings in a row. Also, massaging while feeding might help to encourage milk flow.

LSU628 · December 2012

Cabbage leaves in your bra are also a godsend. I had the same problem and within 15 minutes of the leaves in my bra (putting them in the fridge also feels really good on sore nipples) my breasts had softened up. Not sure why it works, but it does!

mben1119 · December 2012

linzeek44:

Pumping at six days old might be giving you an oversupply and exacerbating engorgement. I would nurse exclusively until 3 or 4 weeks and then start pumping once your supply has regulated a bit.

I would put warm heat on them and take ibuprofen if they hurt. If you are feeding on both sides, I would feed on one until it is soft, even if it means using the same breast for multiple feedings in a row. Also, massaging while feeding might help to encourage milk flow.

This. The pumping is what is causing your engorgement. I agree with PP, stop for a few weeks.

julieteve · December 2012

I definitely understand what you mean about pumping so early. I'm hesitant to stop though since I had a low milk supply with both of my other babies. I really wanted to get off to a good start with this one. I was never able to boost my supply after nursing exclusively and then pumping later on. I wonder if I pump just once a day if maybe that will work.

jani7 · December 2012

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say I am experiencing the exact same thing and my baby is a week old. I'm actually not pumping at all right now and still have the problem. Hopefully with time we get more regulated?

MrsBigTime · December 2012

julieteve:
I definitely understand what you mean about pumping so early. I'm hesitant to stop though since I had a low milk supply with both of my other babies. I really wanted to get off to a good start with this one. I was never able to boost my supply after nursing exclusively and then pumping later on. I wonder if I pump just once a day if maybe that will work.

The first few days after my milk came in were like that too. I pumped twice out of desperation, but it didn't seem to make the problem go away. Both my MW and lactation consultant suggested only hand expressing a few cc's to soften the breast and let the baby determine the amount of milk I would produce and then boost supply with pumping after giving myself at least two weeks to regulate. I've noticed a huge improvement in the last three days, btw. If you are going to pump, only do so for about two or three minutes to release some pressure then let baby nurse as usual, or pump a minute or two after she nurses.

Good luck!

vnstacie · December 2012

I would suggest massaging as you pump and feed.

When my milk first came in, I had this same problem. So when I would pump my H would help me by massaging the "hard" spots to help empty the breast.

If you are not emptying the breast, baby is only getting foremilk and you want him to get the hindmilk. Try rubbing with your thumb from the top of the breast to the bottom where they are hard.

Cabbage leaves are used to help dry up the breast, so I wouldn't advise you doing that.

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