Engorged breasts need advice

kby721 · June 2015

My milk came in two days ago and my breasts are extremely engorged to the point where I am so uncomfortable I'm in tears. I have ice on them right now which is helping the pain but not necessarily the swelling. Any tips for getting them to go down? Will they definitely go down on their own over time? If so how long does it typically take? I plan to make an appt with a lactation consultant next week but all advice is appreciated!

a316b · June 2015

I used a heating pad and pumped simultaneously. It didn't last more than three days- you're almost there!

vballgirl78 · June 2015

Cabbage leaves! Wash them and break the veins (I crushed them in my hand). Stuff them in your bra around your nipple. This helped me when I was miserable the first week. My lactation consultant also had me alternate sides for feedings and pump once a day for relief. She also recommended a warm show right before feeding (yeah right) and to massage the breast as he was eating (to relieve clogged ducts). Hang in there... It will get better. I was miserable and in tears for the first week or so but things are much better now.

mars8k · June 2015

Take a hot shower and while under water use a comb on your breast from the top down to the areola then massage it in circular motion the same way and make sure you go all around the breast, you might feel some small knots if you do focus on the area, then make sure you alternate breasts and if you can feed with 1 hand use the other to massage in circular motion.

If you have a cracked nipple, which happens with an engorged breast use mama mio nipple balm, it worked miracles with me

soofttie · June 2015

Following I'm on week 2 of engorgment.... I stopped pumping 3 days ago and feed on damand and nothing is helping .

kby721 · June 2015

@vballgirl78 Pumping did not increase your supply? I am about to just pump but am afraid that will make it even worse. DD is sleeping right now but I am dreading her waking up bc there is no way she is going to be able to latch on to these boobs right now.

vballgirl78 · June 2015

It gave me the relief I needed to get past the engorgement. Now that I'm doing better I just pump to stock up a future supply. I was in so much pain she told me I needed to pump for relief b/c I was producing more than Parker could drink. He couldnt keep up with my milk when he was so young. Alternating sides has really helped as he can more efficiently empty one side. I was only engorged 1 more time since then and that was because he slept 8 hours one night and I woke up super full. I still pump once a day. It may have increased my supply a bit but I'm no longer uncomfortable so it has worked for me. I was worried about that to but my lactation consultant felt that was my best option (plus now I've got a great freezer supply going).

kby721 · June 2015

@vballgirl78 got it thank you! Pumping as we speak. Cannot wait to feel the relief. Also, love the name Parker!

vballgirl78 · June 2015

@kbradley721- I hope it works for you and you get some much needed relief. She did tell me just to pump for relief (maybe 5-10 min) and not to try and fully empty out. I also swear by the cabbage leaves. They helped a ton!

morgansWed105148 · June 2015

Pump right before feeding for a minute or two. It really helps to get your nipples down enough for them to get a good latch!

meeky2006 · June 2015

My swelling is going down and my milk came in 5 days ago. I put ice compress and cabbage leaves to relieve pain. Swelling will go down about a few days after milk comes in

kateandsiah · June 2015

Yes!!! I pump in the morning as needed. Your supply is the highest then(I got 4 oz the other morning!!!) Usually on whichever breast LO is not feeding on. That way I am sure they both get emptied. But I do sometimes hand express into a towel just until the areoles are soft enough to fit into her mouth. I've been told to avoid extended use of cabbage leaves. It could decrease supply if left on longer than 10 min or so. But the lanisol gel bead ice packs are awesome!!!

kby721 · June 2015

Thanks for the advice everyone! I hate to write this post and jinx myself but I think I finally found relief. I tried all of the above - cabbage leaves, pumping, hot shower. They all offered some relief but what seems to be working best for me is a nipple shield! I figured out DD wasn't getting a strong enough flow which was causing her to fall asleep on the breast and leaving them so full. The nipple shield allows her to get a great latch and she has even emptied or come very close to emptying both breasts the last few feedings! She is a sleepy little thing so if she happens to fall asleep, I can't wake her and I still feel full I will pump for no more than 5 mins on whichever breast. I am still so afraid of the engourgement coming back so now I need to learn to listen to my boobs and pay attention to her hunger cues so I can maintain this.