Breastfeeding Question (maybe TMI)

[Bittersweet]

The good news: my baby has started sleeping from about 10:00 pm until 4:00 am (praying I didn’t just jinx myself). The bad news: I’m not able to enjoy it because by about 2:00 my boobs feel like they’re about to explode.

It’s been weeks now and my body is refusing to self-regulate. I’ve been getting up every night to pump just enough to be comfortable. I’d quit pumping but the engorgement is so freaking uncomfortable and I’m afraid I’ll develop a giant infection. Is this a normal breastfeeding issue? I have had huge issues with oversupply and am concerned that this is yet another side effect. Just wondering if I need to consult the lactation consultant (for the millionth time).

[scrub-jay]

Oh no!! I used to pump right before I went to sleep to let me make it through the night. I also pumped 3x at work and once in the am before work. I had to experiment with timing/pumping and I had/have a ridiculous freezer stock. If you need a second opinion, I could give you the name of my lactation "goddess" (my nickname, not hers...lol). Let me know...Your ds's eating may pick up and your body is ready for the increase.

[PrincessFiona]

My suggestion is to express by hand only until you are comfortable. It's unlikely to stimulate let down or more milk production. Keep in mind that it's been years since someone gave me that advice. It did work for me. You could also try pumping as much as possible around 11 or 12 in the hopes that by the time you are engorged again baby will be awake.

Kris


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[Pollyanna]

I was going to suggest the same thing as Kris. You could keep a towel by your bed and simple hand express into the towel until you are comfortable. In a few days you should get to the point where you don't need to do that anymore. Good luck!

[scrub-jay]

That is a great idea! I should have done that, I was always so afraid to waste a drop that I was probably stimulating more production (and of course, I never asked for advice).

[Deebs]

I'd also say hand express. If you're really uncomfortable, you could take a warm shower, and that will let you let down a little. Don't face the shower though (just let the water hit your back) or you'll just keep increasing demand. The pumping is also increasing demand, so unless you're trying to build up a milk store, I wouldn't suggest it.

[ides]

I had an over supply issue too. It didn't really get better until O was able to keep up around 6 months. I leaked a lot & used breast pads like crazy. I agree with hand or pressure expressing just enough to be comfortable. Hang in there!

[Bittersweet]

Ah, hand expressing. Why didn't I think of that!?! Thanks guys. I never dreamed breastfeeding could be so complicated.

[HouseofWool]

It truly is more complicated than you can imagine... Crazy for something that, on the surface, should appear to be intuitive.

[Thirteen]

Hand expressing saved me.
Breastfeeding is super hard: they should make t-shirts, I'd buy one.

[ladymoreta]

So true! I'm so glad I did, because by the end it was easier than bottles, but getting to that point was a huge challenge! I hope it's easier this next time around...

[HouseofWool]

So true! I'm so glad I did, because by the end it was easier than bottles, but getting to that point was a huge challenge! I hope it's easier this next time around...

LM - to some degree it will be easier for you because YOU know what to do, but your little one will still have a bit of a learning curve. For me, the first week was just as miserable the second time around, but I had more realistic expectations of how hard it would be, which made it better overall.

[bobk]

Sounds totally bizarre, but try cabbage leaf compresses. My wife had similar trouble when her supply first came in and it was very effective.

[SoonerTexan]

Weird someone told me about cabbage compresses today

[Bittersweet]

Cabbage compresses saved me when I was so horribly engorged when my milk first came in. I'm a total believer!