Overproduction and Engorgement

I pumped after my son ate when my milk first came in. I needed some relief. Maybe pump a little first to get rid of some of the watery stuff so he gets the hind milk. I wouldn't worry too much about that thought, it will regulate itself in a few days.

Good luck!

I had a similar problem, and I rented a pump fromt eh hospital...great!!! I bought one from the store and it was horrible but the one fromt hospital was great, fast. You can freeze milk for 6 months. I made everything so much easier!

Sounds weird but it's been clinically tested: Put chilled cabbage leafs in your bra. There's something in the leaf that relieves engorgement. Replace the leaf when wilted.

Another thing I've heard is placing packages of frozen diced veggies (like thawing before dinner) will alleviate the swelling.

I have to disagree with the post about taking aspirin....wouldn't the aspirin transfer through the milk? I'm hoping she meant some other pain reliever. :)

You have to pump the milk out. I would think that you are in a lot pain. I had to do it. And any milk that you pump out save it. Put it in the freezer and label it. Becasue breast milk is good for up to 6 months. I had to do because it felt like my breat were going to explode. I got my self a double electric pump and went to town. I just replaced the little bottles that it came with to 8 oz bottle to catch it all. Plus when you save the milk when you go out and want to get a drink you can have it and you still have untainted milk that your baby to drink.

I breastfed both of my boys successfully and found that it was best to suffer a little so my breasts could adjust to my babies demands. The breasts work on a supply and demand theory so the less your little one demands the milk, the less the breasts will supply. It will take a few days for them to level out to your sons demand. This sounds crazy but a very old, but natural, trick for helping to soothe engorged breasts is to put cold cabbage leaves in your bra. I actually used very cold face cloths to soothe my engorged breasts because cabbage leaves sounded really weird. I don't know if something in the cabbage would make them feel any better. Anyway, I would lay on my bed, bare breasts and just lay the cold face cloths on them. I know it feels like forever but your milk has probably only just started to come through the last day or two and just needs time to adjust. It's great that your trying to do this for your baby's health and breastfeeding is such a wonderful bonding experience so just hang in there.
I hope my advice helps, at the least it should give you a laugh in places. Good luck.

Yes, i would definately reccomend pumping. If your breasts never empty out completely, you can leave yourself prone to mastitis (which is not fun). You can freeze the extra milk and use it later on.

I had this problem also. I ended up pumping after my daughter nursed for a little bit. That way I had a huge supply in the freezer and I didnt end up with an infection. Yes, the more you do this, the more milk you will produce. Your baby will eventually end up nursing for longer though. If you can suffer through it for a little longer you should be alright. It is getting through that first 2 months or so that is hard.

Congrats on your baby and making the decision to be at home. I must say it's a hard job the we don't always get a lot of credit for our work. My response is coming from my own experiences, so bare with.... breastfeeding is a hard job, very hard. With the hormones, new baby, husband, media and etc... much pressure is put on us. Try and remain calm, really. I was engorged also. Hot showers, cold cabbage head leaves and those socks or neck wraps that you can use in the microwaves really helped. I used the Avent hand pump to releive the pressure and I tried to even gently squeeze a bit out in the shower witha bit of hand nipple manipulation. The fancy pumps work great but I personally felt too much like a heffer at a dairy farm. If you can pump into a bottle great and give your other half a chance to feed your baby. You might need a break. I really could say so much here....Seek encouragement from a friend who has been where you are. And please take everything that all the breastfeeding support people say with a grain of salt, they stressed me out. No offense to the la leche leaguers and nurses
I am an at home mom of 3.

Like anything else that is new it is always difficult at first. You could pump to reduce the engorgement so it is not so painful for you. Your baby will catch up as he gets older and breast feeding is definitely worth it. I am very glad I breastfed my last two children and I seem to have a closer bond with them although I love all my children very much.

If it doesn't work out do not feel guilty. It is not for everyone. Enjoy every minute good and challenging. They are small for such a short time.

My breasts did slow down a bit, but I have always had problems with engorgement. Some ladies just do, especially the first time moms because our breasts are figuring it out. And I was a AA! And my breasts went to C's. Anyway... I am just starting to get back to normal now and my son is 9 months. This is due to him eating solids so my breasts produce less. I did pump until this month though, because despite how people will tell you that it makes more milk (and it does) if you are *careful* to only pump the excess, you will feel MUCH better with them drained. At least I did. I had several issues with blocked ducts and had Mastitis twice. I went 5 months not pumping in fear of making more milk, but in the end it helped having them drained all the time. Hope I helped! (Breastfeeding IS hard, good job for not quitting! Stick with it, you'll be glad you did!)

Hi B.,
This all sounds perfectly normal and is very, very temporary! You can go on LaLeche Leagues's website www.llli.org then click on Resources then on Answers to get good, solid info from them. Also, on the site, you can look up the number for a leader in your community and call her. You can also call your birth hospital's lactation consultant and talk to her. Your breasts will go down, you and your little Sweetie will adjust to each other. Nurse as much as you can, trying to drain one breast at each feeding if you can. I wouldn't get into pumping now. That will only signal your body to produce even more milk! Do any of your neighbors need their babies nursed? Just kidding! Enjoy your baby and the privilege of nursing. Do you have the LLL book THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING? It's about $18 at many bookstores & full of info. You're doing good! I remember my breasts feeling like melons for about a week or so. Some of it is just swelling of tissues and it will go down as you nurse and time goes by. Hang in there, Mama!!

Hi B.! Congrats on your new baby first of all!

I just had a baby 2 months ago and I had the same issue. I am an H/I as well and filled up very quickly. I would definitely pump to relieve some of the pressure. I did the same thing at the beginning. Just don't do it too often if you don't have to. But relieving the pressure 1-2x a day was not an issue for me. Plus you can store that extra that you pumped.

Good luck!
T.

Your actual milk just came in. It will take a while for the supply and demand to work itself out.
You can for comfort sake pump after you nurse the baby to start your BM stash but I would not do it more then that as your body will think the baby is drinking more then make more.

Hang in there. Once your mild comes in it will take awhile t get things down. You might find you have a strong let down also and spray the baby in the face when trying to get them latched on. i thought I was drowning my daughter.LOL

Hi B.,
Congratulations on your new baby! I went through this when my son was born. Pumping will only cause you to produce even more milk. If you need to pump a little at first to help your son latch on, then do it, but I wouldn't pump too much! Your body will adjust! Hot showers help. Your breasts will express some milk on their own (and you can press down on them gently) with the hot water. I always found that to be soothing. I wouldn't worry too much about foremilk vs hindmilk right now. He's only 4 days old! I promise it will work itself out. If you keep breastfeeding, he will get exactly what he needs! Best of luck to you and congrats again!

If it gets to bad put some holes in clean, large cabbage leaves inside your loose bra and it will help relieve the engorgement. Also, nurse, nurse, nurse. If you get discouraged please call a local le leche league leader - support is so important when starting breastfeeding...don't give up!

The hospital you delivered at should have a lactation consultant. You should contact her to help you. This is a pivitol time in your nursing, it's early on & it's your first experience. I nursed all five of my kids, it's a great experience. You need to get past this point before you get frustrated & stop. Good luck & enjoy!

Hi B.,

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. What you're experiencing is entirely normal for all women. When the onset of the mature milk happens you also have increased blood, fluid, and lymph system that all gears toward the breast to help get nursing off to a good start. It's very helpful, but gets full and congested easily. On top of that, your body doesn't know if you've had one or 3 babies. It's just making sure to have enough for the first several days. If the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple) is as firm as the tip of your nose, hand express or pump for 3-5 minutes to get it soft for the baby. Then let your baby nurse for as long as he wants, which is generally 20-40 minutes for a feeding. Don't worry about foremilk and hindmilk. The baby and your body will take care of that. You are giving the baby plenty of hindmilk -trust me.
Some things to do to ease the fullness are Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) -however, if your Dr/Midwife already wrote a prescription for Motrin, don't add on to it. You can also use cool compresses on the breast for 15-20 minutes after feeds. Using green cabbage leaves (you can use purple, but it might stain your bra) on the breast for 1-2 hours between feeds will bring down about 50% of the swelling. It keeps coming back. So use a leaf for 1-2 hrs, take it off and throw it away. Wait for 1-2 hrs, if you feel full then, you can again put another leaf on. Only use the cabbage for 3-5 days. It can decrease the supply if used too often or too long. It takes the body about 3-5 days or so to settle down and produce the amount your baby needs. Yes, for several weeks you'll have days you feel full. But for the most part, it'll be much more comfortable in a few days.

Check out the local La Leche League groups by going to www.llli.org. You'll be so glad you did.

Warmly,

S. Manore, LLLL, IBCLC, RLC
(La Leche League Leader, International Board Certified and Registered Lactation Consultant is what all those initials mean

you can pump but this will lead to more milk production as your body will make as much as it needs, i.e. it doesn't recognize you pumping vs. nursing. you can hand express to make you more comfortable and keep the milk for a later date or hold a bottle under the opposite breast to let it drain while you are nursing. Don't worry about the hind mild for now. Your baby's nursing will start to pick up in the coming weeks and who knows....maye you will be posting about not making enough milk. You are very lucky as I always seemed behind because I was working with my son. Good luck and here is a great link to help you out.
http://www.llli.org/

D.

Hi B.-
The cabbage leaves suggestion is great - they will help relieve engorgement and the cold will probably feel good. You can use any kind, but the red might stain! If you do pump, only pump enough to relieve the engorgement. If you pump too much you might keep producing the same amount of milk, which you don't need! Don't forget that it's a supply and demand situation - if you tell your body that all of this milk is being consumed, your breasts will continue to make that much!

I also think that contacting your local La Leche League would be a great idea. Good luck and congratulations!

I had such engorgement that I broke a fever and went to the hospital to make sure I didn't have an infection some where. It was just my milk coming in. Anyways, I feel ya!

The best "pump" for your breasts is your beautiful baby. If you pump them, you are only going to produce more and more milk & continue the issue longer, b/c your body will think that's what your baby needs. The midwife (I'm currently living in Germany) showed me how to manually extract enough milk to make me comfortable & told me to be consistent with my feedings. It takes some time, but before you know it the uncomfortableness of engorgement will pass and you'll be producing the perfect amount that your baby needs.

To extract manually, using the pads of your fingers, in small circles, pushing pretty firmly massage from the outside of your breasts till you work your way toward the nipple, doing sections at a time...then with your hand in a "c" shape grab your boob behind your areola and squeeze as you move your fingers and your thumb closer together. Squeeze and squeeze again always starting from behind the areola, until nothing more comes out and then continue on massaging another area. I would usually start in any hard lump areas. I could get quite a bit of milk this way & I felt sooooo much better. Make sure to have something, a towel or a cup once you get the hang of it, to catch all the milk. I suppose that's why some suggest to do it in the shower. I just couldn't bare to see all that wonderful milk wash down the drain. Gosh it'd be easier to show you than writing! I read in books to express manually, but I had no clue how until she showed me the way. :o)

Also if you want to make sure your baby is getting hind milk, only feed off one breast at a time and alternate. You will not become uneven! The hindmilk is what makes them satisfied and helps them sleep, it also has lots of good fats for them. I used a log to remember which side & when I fed at first. Then I switched to a hairband on the wrist I fed on, I've read some people use a safety pin.

Don't give up. It takes some time and you are right this IS the best thing you could be doing for your baby. Be patient and try not to put added stress on yourself. If your baby is latching and drinking then things will be fine. Keep up the great work!...and yes, it is work! I nursed for 15 months and wouldn't have done it any different. I used a great book called The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins - it was great if you don't have anything yet.

Good luck and feel free to write back should you be curious about anything else.

p.s. My little girl was never even a long feeder. 8 - 10 minutes and she'd be done! I'd strip her down to her diaper to keep her awake. The warmth from my body and arms was enough heat. She'd nurse about 9 times a day??? Gosh that seems like forever ago, but she still gained great weight and is very healthy. If your son seems satisfied, is having wet diapers, and is has the mustard like poops after the meconium is gone then he's getting enough. All I'm trying to say is that all babies are different so don't worry if yours doesn't nurse for X amount of minutes, or so many times a day, etc..

Hi B.,

Congratulations on the birth of your son and on your decision to BF! I successfully nursed all 3 of my little ones and was a working mom, so I relied heavily on my pump. When my milk came in with all 3, I HAD TO PUMP to relieve the engorgement (if you don't your milk can start to dry up) and to stay on schedule. YOur baby sets the "schedule" if he's nursing every hour and a half, your breasts will begin re-filling on that schedule.

I would either let baby nurse on one breast and drain it completely and then pump the other breast (and put them on the pumped breast first next time) or let baby nurse 1/2 on one breast and 1/2 on teh oether. Baby will learn to latch long enough to get the hind milk -- TRUST ME -- it's the sweetest, fattest part of the milk.

During my first few days of milk production, I found Medela's manual pump worked best until I was able to go onto the electric. The Medela Pump-n-Style double breast pump (my "brest friend" back then) comes with a manual pump that's not sold in stores and has the capacity for electric and battery. It's pricey though, I found mine at momsmaternitymall.com for much less than BRU and other stores sold it for.

Talk to your lactation consultant, some hospitals arrange for the nurse/consultant to come out to your home a few days after you give birth to make sure mom and baby are doing well, they will usually give you BF advice if you're a nursing mom.
GOOD LUCK and God bless you and the little one :)

i second the la leche league suggestion! they were a lifesaver during those early months of bf-ing,we too had lots of issues. i ended up bf-ing until my girl was 18mos when she weaned herself! and i made some good mommy friends there, too! good luck and congrats on the little one!

I would drain both breasts completely to give you some relief. Then start again with the next feeding. When babies are really small like that it's a real challenge to get them to take a full feeding before falling asleep. I would strip down my boys, play with their feet or lightly run my fingers up and down their backs to tickle them awake to keep them uncomfortable so they'd get that full feeding. If you quit when he falls asleep, he'll be hungry again very soon and he'll be on the boob 24/7 - and that will be more painful for you. My friends who "demand fed" were miserable and never slept. You can teach him when to eat and sleep and he'll fall into a really good schedule this way.

He should be feeding (in a consistent suck swallow at first and then into a suck, suck, suck, swallow) for about 45 minutes (20 minutes-ish on both sides) and then feeding again 3 hours from the start of the previous feeding around the clock for the next few weeks. I made sure I fed them after they woke up, changed their pants between sides so they'd wake up again, tried to get them awake for a while and then put them down to sleep. That way he's not dependent on you nursing him to sleep every time and he'll sleep better if he's not on a full belly. Keep this pattern up and he'll be sleeping through the night by 8 weeks old. My boys slept through the night at 7 1/2 weeks and 3 1/2 weeks each. And when mommy gets her sleep - EVERYONE is happier! ;o) Nothing wrong with holding your baby when they sleep sometimes because they're only small a short while. But everyone will be happier if baby learns to sleep on his own! (I've done it both ways, believe me!)

Stick with it the first few weeks and it will get easier, I promise! Enjoy that little peanut! Congratulations!

Hi B.,

I encourage you to get in touch with your local La Leche League group ASAP. This is wonderful breastfeeding support. You will find the help you are looking for there from other moms committed to the wellbeing of your baby and the breastfeeding process. Go to http://www.llli.org/ to find your local group. There is a search for local group link on the top left. I honor your commitment to breastfeeding your baby, it is really great you are doing this.

Good Luck,
J.

Hi B.,

With my first, I could pump 8 oz off of each side at each sitting. I would just sit and cry, it hurt so badly. It does get easier. I just froze everything and mixed it with cereal later, etc. It did even out after a while and I think the ladies have given you great advice. i did call the La Leche league. They were very helpful.

Hang in there. It gets better and my supply wasn't so crazy with the next 2 kids.

C.

Congratulations on New Baby!!

This is not uncommon to feel overly full. Your body will adjust to your son's needs. There are thoughts on both sides:

1. pump extra milk and freeze it for back up.
2. don't pump and your production will ease back to match your son's needs.

The thing to watch for is hot spots that can indicate plugged ducts. You can use cool rags to ease discomfort. Some suggest painkillers...I wouldn't do anything more than an occasional aspirin...the other pain killers affect baby's liver. Make sure you are switching sides regularly...switching which side you start on. Also switching direction baby is facing can help drain your breasts more evenly.
Does any of this help?
Would you like more information?
blessings on your new adventure!
M. G

You've gotten lots of great advice already.... all i can say is that no one can really prepare you for those first few days and weeks! I clearly remember my first four days and the pain involved...the pediatrician tried to comfort me by saying it gets easier in another month. While that is true and probably meant to be encouraging... i burst into tears thinking about how many feedings before then... she might have well said that it will get better in 10 years cause it felt insurmountable... My advice, take it day by day, let the baby feed on demand and let your body do what it is meant to. Also, try to stay away from scheduled feedings. Definitely get in touch with la leche and get their book on breastfeeding. Getting thru those first few weeks is tough and you really need that support but it is all worth it. Hang in there!

I would contact a Le Leche League Leader. I believe you can find contacts online. You are doing the BEST thing for you and your baby...don't give up. Your milk supply will settle down, give it some time. It could take a few weeks for the supply/demand thing to be established. Le Leche League Leaders are experienced breastfeeding moms who can be a huge help. Keep up the good work...this will pass.

I'm sooo sorry. It's been 23 years for me but remember it well. My milk came in just like yours. I had lumps under my arms that were like golf balls. I could have fed an army! It does regulate itself, however. You can pump some of it...I know your son can't eat that much! but it is your son that will regulate things. This, I promise, will be in only a few days. Enjoy your breast feeding. You are absolutely doing the right thing. I nursed my daughter until see gave it up at about 1 year. It was great. Hang in there, I know you're really tired right now but you're very lucky you're not having a problem. I think this is very normal and wish you all the best. C.

Way to Go!!! Even though breastfeeding is the Best choice it is not always easy. My recomendation is to nurse on one side for the entire feeding and pump the other just until it is comfortable and then at the next feeding switch sides. Your body will naturally regulate how much milk it needs to produce. It will not always be like this! I too recomend going to LeLeche League meetings!
Blessings, K.

B., this happened to me with all three children. Pumping saved my life. My breasts felt better, the baby can latch on easier, and the added bonus, freeze your milk and your husband can feed the baby when you need a break. He'll love the bonding experience. I know it is hard, but try to stick with the breastfeeding. If it doesn't work out don't punish yourself. A happy Mommy is the best thing for your children. Relax and enjoy this magical time. It goes by sooooo fast!

try crushed cabbage leaves- something in the cabbage helps with the swelling- you can also take some motrin if your doc says it is ok.

see if you can find a LLL group near you or another breastfeeding group with IBCLC Lactation Counselors

PUMP!! It can be so painful! I`ve had 3 children myself and had to pump. Another thing you could do is get in the shower and let the warm water run on your chest-and press down on them just above--they will drain some and give some relief.

Hello. Congrat on the baby boy. You should start pumping now so your milk ducks don't get infected which is calleD mastitts. Which is very painful I had it with my second baby. And you keep your milk supply up if you start now too. Good luck. J.

as a side note: if you do not have a pump yet, check your health insurance under durable medical supplies. Your doctor may be able to write a script for it and it may be covered. Mine was covered 100% and it was a $300 pump!

Good luck.

I had a similar problem with my first...although not as extreme as you're explaining. If you pump to drain you will only encourage your system to keep producing at that amount. Taking a hot shower to let them drain is one idea. Also peppermint and sage are both natural herbs that lower your production rate. I was able to mildly decrease my supply by eating peppermint altoids regularly. I was still slightly overproducing, but it was more tolerable. Sage tea or just the herb sage will decrease your supply much more drastically...take it in moderation first and increase it slowly as needed.

Good luck...

Don't despair, your body is going to regulate fairly quickly!! That is wonderful that you are producing so much milk though. I would probably pump off a little milk first, and just store it in case you need it later, and then maybe he will be able to eat enough to get the hind milk. But just be patient with yourself. It takes your body a little bit of time to regulate, and it will, don't worry!! Breastfeeding is one of my absolute favorite things about being a Mommy, such a wonderful bonding time. And it is a time that I believe God gave to us Moms so that we have to sit down and relax for a little while, ENJOY!!!!

You have had a ton of responses and I didn't get to read all of them...but the ones I read encouraged you to pump. If you do pump and continue to pump your body will think you will need that much milk...which is how mothers of multiples breast feed their babies. I'm not 100% sure (I would consult a lactation consultant if that bad) but your body is still adjusting to your milk coming in. I would consult a LC...you can call Beaumont and they will get back to you within the day.

DON"T BUY ANYMORE BRAS YET. They will go down. At first it feels like and looks like you can feed every baby in the nursery, but in time, and not that long, they will be better. I'm small breasted and I was excited to finally have a cleavage, if it didnt' hurt so darn bad. But the cleavage went away as did the pain. Just relax and enjoy your son, they grow up so fast, especially after being pregnant forever:)Sue

Many people are going to tell you not to pump your milk right now because of the "supply and demand" thing. But I'll tell you what, enormous breasts that shoot milk all over your baby are no fun! I went ahead and pumped off the excess in those early days and froze it for when I needed it and I had a huge supply right from the get go. I was a regular Gurnsey cow in the beginning, too, but I say take advantage of what extra you have and in a few weeks it will even out. Good Luck and enjoy this early time with your son.
J.

What worked best for me and my daughter was feeding on one side, and then I would pump the other side. If you are clever enough to balance the pump and your baby you can pump and nurse at the same time, this can take some work. I would always just pump after she had emptied one breast.

Been there done that. If he wasn't getting the hindmilk he would acting very hungry afterwards. That's the milk that contains all the fat to keep them full. If he's not doing that , he most likely is getting hid fill. Yes, defiantley pump the breasts and store afterwards, either in freezer or fridge. I particularily liked the freezer. Your engordged because your milk is coming in. Remember that because that is key. The more it comes in with the more he feeds the more likely your breast will go down. WHat I would have to do is pump very little out (like 1-2 minutes) and save that milk b\c I was so engorged and then put her on the breast. That worked fine. Also, if he doesn't finish one breast and he's content, you CAN pump the other and save that. Just remeber this your baby can not starve because most babies in their first week of life can be full on one teaspoon of colostrum. Aske any pediatrician that and they will agree. I had all the ups and downs of breastfeeding. I wanted to give up so many times and got so angry when people would say to me that it gets easier..........But, the truth is.....is it really does. If you need someone to talk too or have more questions, I would be happy to help or simply just be here for you. Props to you for breastfeeding.

first of all, good for you for breastfeeding! yes it is the best thing you can do for your new baby. overproduction is somewhat common at first, and then usually regulates to the needs of your baby. I suggest you get a good breast pump, Medela Pump In Style is an excellent product. pump a little before you nurse, maybe for a few ounces on each side then feed your baby. when he indicates he's full (usually by falling asleep!) continue to pump and possibly freeze it for later if you plan to bottle feed him down the road. don't worry about him not getting the hind milk, because he is. you'll be surprised how fast the thick milk begins once you begin pumping and can actually see what he's eating each time you nurse. being professionally fit for a bra is something all nursing moms SHOULD do, since support is very important at this point, so that was a smart move. another suggestion: contact your local chapter of La Leche League. you can find them online, in the phone book, and sometimes in your local newspaper. they will be able to offer support and guidance in this trying time for you. good luck to you and congratulations on having a body so eager to fulfill the needs of your baby, as it really is a blessing.

Hi B.: Congratulations on your new baby. My firstborn was on July 21, 1978. I had so much milk my underarms were engorged and I couldn't lower my arms. Per an elderly woman at the pharmacy counter I used Camphorated Oil very carefully on my underarms, only. Whereever you put the oil, milk will not produce any longer. (With the 3 subsequent births, I never produced milk there again)

In addition, I see many have told you to store the milk. Another choice might be to donate it to the hospital for preemies. Scientists have found that preemies respond best to breast milk, particularly mothers milk from mothers who have given birth to preemies. However, some mothers are not able to produce any/or enough to nurse their babies. Or they are on medication which prohibits them from nursing. That happened to my daughter-in-law when my first grandchild was born, 2 months early. La Leche is an excellent resource for further information, as was stated.

Anyway, I don't know if camphorated oil is still available. But, it worked like a charm to reduce the milk production!

Hope this helps.

pump before you nurse to the point where you are comfortable but don't drain the breasts. It will relieve the engorgement, make it easier for your baby to latch on and allow him access to the hindmilk that he's not getting due to the engorgement. The over-production should taper off in a week or two. Make sure you massage the breasts once a day to stimulate the glands that aren't being drained by pumping and nursing. This will help you avoid getting mastitis. This is done most easily in the shower with soap or shower gel, but you should use some sort of oil (olive oil or other fruit, veg, nut but not mineral oil) if you are having trouble with chapped or cracking nipples.

Hang in there! You are going to get through the hard part soon and things will get much easier for you.

If you have any other questions or problems with breastfeeding, feel free to e-mail me. I'm happy to talk you through it! J.

I had a similar problem. I had to pump either before or after each feeding. If I wanted my son to get the hind milk then I would pump before. Eventually, your body will only produce as much as your baby is taking.

Don't give up! Many people will not tell you that bf is the hardest thing to do. I pumped w/ both of my boys, I had alot of milk coming in and they just cannot nearly empty both breasts when they are so little. I had a freezer full of milk by the time that my babies were drinking more than what I could produce (around 9 months). In my experience the more I pumped the more it helped my milk supply, b/c when I slowed down and eventually quit pumping in the end my milk supply quickly decreased. Good Luck!!
Oh and if you are looking for a pump-I would recommend the medela electric double pump-and nothing else:)

B., Yes.PLEASE pump. Sounds like you have a teriffic supply, so pump to comfort as often as you need. If your son has trouble acccessing the milk, try to locate a lactation consultant in your area to help with latch. That's the most crucial part of breastfeeding and will allow him to get to all the milk he needs. Be sure to keep an eye on how many wet diapers he has to make sure he is getting enough milk. Much luck to you both!

T., LC

I think you are going to find an array of answers to this one...

When I found myself engorged; I pumped for a few minutes, but not so long that I emptied the breast. This way, my little guy could latch on with ease and get the milk. If he only did the one side, I throughly pumped the other.

I stored my milk, very successfully, in the freezer and used it when my supply began to dwindle when I returned to work. It was better that using just the formula to add as I still had tons of breastmilk! (You can also donate it if I am not mistaken? I am sure I read a few things on that.)

You may find that your breasts will still be larger than normal, as they are 'working' now. As your baby grows, things will adjust and you will not be as uncomfortable as you are now. The first week is usually the worse due to overproduction and engorgement. By next week this time, you should notice a difference. (in the meantime, just place some cold packs to help with the uncomfortable feelings - I had the perfect size packs from a cooler pack from Avent.)

Hi B.,
Congratulations on your birth! Some pumping before nursing can help during this early time, mostly to make your breasts softer for the baby to latch on. A small amount of pumping in this way will not increase your milk supply, but will increase your comfort during this very 'abundant' time!

If you are near Ann Arbor, try out a place called Indigo Forest on Jackson Rd ###-###-####) - on Wednesday afternoons they have a "Nursing Cafe" from 2-3 pm with excellent professional and friendly moms, low-key, understanding. Great place for advice!

good luck!
B.

B.,
I agree with all of the recommendations made so far. The only thing I would add is to nurse on only one breast per feeding. If he completely drains a breast and is still hungry, then you offer the 2nd breast. This increases the liklihood that he will get to the hindmilk, and it tames your supply a bit. I had to do this with both children. Unfortunately, it took awhile to realize that I had an oversupply (and an overactive letdown) so with my first I struggled with nursing for a long, long time. I started out with the one-sided nursing with my 2nd child and things went much, much better. If the other side (not being used at a feeding) feels uncomfortable, pump to comfort (and make sure to save all of that milk!) Don't worry about foremilk/hindmilk issues for now...focus more on comfort and establishing your nursing relationship. Things will work themselves out. I know it is hard, but you are doing a fantastic job already!!!
Hang in there!!! Things will get better, I promise! You can also email me if you want further info or support. LLL is fantastic; honestly, I thought they were more helpful than the lactation services at the hospital, and they're free!!!!

I had my first son on July 26th (but twelve years ago!) It was definitely a challenge to get into as well. I thought it would just be a natural, no brainer kind of thing but took a lot more work than I expected. I eventually got it down though, and I'm sure you will, too. I had my son at Beaumont and they were very helpful even after I went home. I even had a in-home helper that came out once.

I was like a human dairy farm...way more milk than one baby could drink. I pumped often which kept up milk production, and allowed me to give a bottle of breast milk to him, too. (Which gave dad, grandma, etc. a chance to join in on the feeding while still giving him the best food possible!) Not to mention, I was not crazy about that full, painful feeling all the time. I pumped right into the bags that fit into the bottles I was using and put them in the freezer. Before I started pumping, I was engorged and ended up with a clogged milk duct which was very painful, so I would recommend not letting that happen. Frozen breast milk was handy because I could leave for a while and still have breast milk on hand. It thaws very quickly in a warm glass of water.

My second son was colicky and I never knew when the crying was hunger. So, I would start to nurse him, the milk would come in, then he wouldn't want to eat, and I would end up pumping. Soon, it became easier to just pump for him, and I pretty much just bottle fed him breast milk for several months. It gives you a little more control to only pump...anyone can feed with a bottle. Plus, if you will be going back to work...pumping will be a must eventually anyways.

Good luck, hang in there. Getting breast milk to your baby is the most important thing!

Congrats!! Don't give up so soon, your milk has just come in. The more you pump the more milk production you will make, so if you pump to relieve the pressure just do the minimum. Warm towels on the breasts worked great for me when I was in your shoes. Your milk production will even out in a week or so. Good luck with your new son.

Hi B.,

It never hurts to have some of your milk expressed and in the freezer. That way when you leave your son with a sitter or with a family member for a little while you will be prepared with a bottle. You can use a breast pump to express your milk to store. This will help releive some of the pressure and discomfort. It is normal to have the engorgement in the very beginning because you are establishing a routine with your child. It will get better and better as the days go by. Good luck and congratulations.

Congatulations! I see you have a million and one responses already, but I didn't see any links to this site that I also found helpful. Once you pump you will probably really think your baby is hungry- as there isn't as much in there as you thought. It will also give you some guidance as to how much to give if you thaw for a bottle. Best of luck!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html#calculator

Hi,

Congratulations! By now I suspect you have already tried some suggestions. How did it go? I agree with the La Leche Leaque Leader response. Pump about 5-ish minutes only to relieve your milk makers & store that milk. That is what worked for me until my body adjusted. Best of luck!

I know you have tons of request and a lot of people are telling you to pump. I had this same problem and a lactation consultant told me to pump after every feeding by the time my son was 2 wks. old I was exhausted and had over a months worth of feeding in the freezer it seem like. When my doctor heard this he was upset and told me to stop pumping and get some rest. I two was in engorged and when you are that way it is hard for the baby to latch on properly. To fix the engorgement problem go to the store and buy some cabbage and and wear them in your bar and it will take care of the problem probably over night. I know this sounds funny but trust me it works I woke up soaked several times that night from my chest leaking but I was no longer engorged. My GF and I still laugh about to this day and my son is now 10. Hope this helps..

Hi, B..

It looks like you have great advice from ladies here.

I will only say 'Congratulations!' It certainly is a beautiful time. I had my second child, a son, March 24th and for the second time struggled through the beginnings of breastfeeding. It is truly the toughest thing I've had to do. . . . it is so demanding physically & emotionally. Nobody told me how much it was going to hurt, etc. In the end, I'm glad I struggled through because there is no other site than to look down and see my little guy stop drinking to smile at me.

Keep it up and remember, you are only human and have limits. You are your little guys hero already :)

Enjoy motherhood and 'welcome' to it.

R.

Congratulations B.. Please hang in there IT WILL get better. I would suggest you pump, but use a manual one so you are not over stimulating your milk production. Also hot showers work to aid in the let down process. The body is a wonderful thing, it adjusts very quickly. It's just been four days, please do not give up it will get better. Breast is best, and always remember breastfed babies sleep though the night first. I had two that began sleeping through the night at 3.5 months, Stick in There, and feel free to get in contact with the Lalache League or the lactation specialist at the hospital where you gave birth.

Dear B. B.,

Nearly every hospital has some list in the OB/GYN dept. or in the delivery area itself. Call the hospital where you had your baby boy and ask them to look up the number of the LaLeche League for you and then call the number they give you. They know everything there is to know about breastfeeding; often more than the doctors and nurses know unless the doctors/nurses breastfed babies for a long time on each baby.

Hope this helps. I breastfed until my daughter was 3 but that was so long ago that I'm sure some things have changed since then.

L. C.

Pump as much as you can and freeze it!! It will really come in handy when you need to be away from your baby.

Also, your suppy will not always be as great as it is now. Your body doesn't know if it needs to produce for twins, triplets etc. As it gets used to the demand (within the next 2-3 months), your body will adjust itself.

Good luck and keep up with it as long as you can. I nursed mine for 9 months and then gave him frozen breastmilk for 1 month after that. It's the best thing for your baby!

I wouldn't pump a lot at this point because you will only produce more. It takes a month or so for your breastmilk to adjust to the way the baby is eating. You will have engorgement at first and then they will adjust to however the baby is eating. Don't give up. I have been doing it for 9 months and am so comfortable with it now. It took me about 3 months to be comfortable with my body and breastfeeding. I would get a book on breastfeeding and it will tell you when to start pumping. If you do it too soon it could make it worse. Warm showers will help exspress milk as well.

I just had my son on July 10th so I know how you feel. He is my 5th though. I actually pumped with an Avent hand pump and stored it in freezer bags and kept pumping everytime I was too full, then let him nurse, when I wasn't so full and within a few days I was no longer engorged, have emergency bottles and am comfortable. Good luck you'll do fine, having babies is a learning expierience and you will be a pro for your next child.

First-congratulations on the birth of your baby boy! Second, as I have learned with my now 4 month old, breastfeeding is hard, but worth it!!! It might take a little bit, but your body will eventually figure out how much the baby needs and your production will even out. Even though it is painful, my lactation consultant said not to pump between feedings (at first) because then your body just produces MORE! If you need to get him to feed and it is too painful or you are too engorged, you can pump (or hand express) a little out. Warm compresses helped too. Another good bit of advice from the LC--disposable diapers (especially newborn size) work perfect for making a warm compress. Just pour some hot tap water in and the gel absorbs and keeps from dripping all over the place (and it stays warm longer than washcloths too!)
Good luck!!!
-J.

Try pumping before you feed, that way he will get more of the hind milk and you are less engorged. A softer breast is easier for the baby to latch on to as well. Breast feeding is hard work, but well worth it. The first 6 weeks are the hardest, then your body will even out and you fall into a nice feeding routine. Good luck to you and congrats!!

B.,

I had my son back in Dec. He was a preemie so I couldn't feed him right away. I worked with a lactaion nurse and she suggested that I pump alittle on each side before feeding him. I too was engorged like you. Isn't an H bra wonderful!!! Just pump enough out of each side to make you comfy then feed. I know this sounds like alot of work, but your body will soon adjust. Also you will have milk stored for those time you can feed him. Keep in mind that frozen milk is good in the regular freezer for upto 3 months and 6-12 months in a deep freezer. I found I liked the Lansanoh(sp?)the best. They freeze pretty flat. If you are like me it will start filling up your freezer fast. Good luck and Congratulations on your son!! If you have any question please feel free to contact me.
Email:____@____.com

C.

Pump the excess milk out. That way you can start storing, it is the best thing to do! Good luck.

Hi B.,

You already have tons of advice...but I'm going to throw in my 2 cents as well. I was exactly where you are 11 months ago. :-) You are only 4 days since your milk came in. Your body is adjusting to the supply/demand cycle you and baby are setting up. It SHOULD regulate itself in a week or so. Maybe 2. I know I know I know. It HURTS! I hurt so bad I couldn't hold my daughter without pain. I know what you're feeling. That being said ... here's a few things:

1) The cabbage leaves WORK! Seriously. It takes away the pain. However. BE CAREFUL. The cabbage leaves an actually decrease your milk supply. So, only use them if you REALLY need to.

2) If you are STILL overproducing (making more then what your baby takes) in 3 weeks. Contact a lactation consultant. (I had to contact one because after 7 weeks I was STILL over producing. She was an angel of mercy!!!) There are things you can do to help your body regulate. But you don't want to do that this early in the game. You want to have baby tell your body what he needs.

3) It's ok that baby isn't taking everything. He's still getting good nutrition. The fact that he ISN'T emptying the breast will actually help regulate your flow. Not emptying the brest actually signals your body it made too much...then the next time, it won't make as much. Your body actually will adjust how much milk it makes to the times of day and what he takes at those times of day. :-) Cool huh!?!

4) Hang in there. Nurse baby often and let him go as long as he needs to.

I know it's hard. TRUST ME! I KNOW! Nursing was a labor of love for 8 weeks for me. I was engorged, cracked hipples, bleeding... each session was extremely painful. I almost gave up!!! Seriously! I cried through each session for 8 weeks!!! I'm here to tell you STICK WITH IT!!!!!! You are giving your baby such a great start by nursing.

My daughter is 11 months and we are still going strong. It's so easy. Once we got our 'kinks' worked out (thanks to my beautiful beautiful lactation consultant) everything was easy peasy! So, if you get discouraged.. seek help!!!! It's ok to ask for help.

But, at this point, you're still pretty early in the game. Your body is still adjusting. All you can do is continue to nurse baby, let him take what he wants to take, and dry him off after his 'milk bath'! ha ha ha My daughter was drenched in milk for weeks! It doesn't hurt them, and actually if they have a little scratch from their fingernails, it helps the scratch heal quicker. Mama milk is GREAT for helping heal stuff. Oh ... and by the way ... if for some reason you or baby get Pink Eye ... use breastmilk. Seriously. Clears it up in no time!

Good luck!! It DOES get better. Trust me!!

Oh ... one more thing.... watch for 'hard lumps' in your breast. Which can be a clogged milk duct. Easy to get in the beginning when you are producing so much milk. Try to work them out in the shower. If that doesn't work, warm compress and massage. You don't want to just let a plugged duct go ... it can lead to mastitis (an infection).

DO NOT pump to empty your breast. DO NOT! That will just signal your body to make more milk! Remember... this is a supply/demand cycle. IF you pump.. .as already suggested... only pump enough to relieve the pressure. Which isn't much. BUT... try to just have baby do this. 4 days is still so early. My lactation consultant said usually by WEEK 4 you should be regulated.

Oh yes! I recall those days. Have you spoke to the lactation specialist from your hospital? I would continue to pump and save the milk. It will freeze just fine. With my first I produced milk for years even after I was done feeding. Back in the day I would have been called a wet nurse so my doctor says. I did not have this with my second child. When my milk came in it was so painful I had to be medicated and walked around with a heating pad. I thought it was a (busty) thing but not so. I thought it was a first child thing, not so. I'm was just sensitive.

I had the same problem and I was an H too. First, try and relax. Both of my children breastfed and never ate off both sides. I always had enough milk off one side. They would eat off one and I would pum the other. The next feeding I would start with the pumped breast. When I was engorged, I would have to pump a little before as not to drowned them. Within a couple of weeks, you, your son, and your breasts will all figure it out and you will be glad you stuck with it. HONEST!!! Also, you will have lots of milk to freeze and save so you can have a much deserved girls night out or even sell it on the internet. LOL. I had enough milk I could have fed a whole neighborhood. LOL