baby only 4dys old & breasts engorged!?

[olien]

Well, the title says it all. What should I do?

My boobs are sore & very full. I am so temped to pump just to get some relief, but I know that may cause even more milk production.

The baby cluster fed from the moment she came out until I began producing milk - 3dys later. Now she feeds longer, but less frequently. Will everything just regulate itself with time? I dont want to end up with an infection, BTDT with #1.

[flavorfull1]

you can pump some off to help with the engorgement without worrying about producing an oversupply. don't completely drain the breast, just pump for comfort and continue to feed on demand. Draining the breast is what will dictate your milk supply but right now you are on hormone autopilot for a little bit. You can also take some ibuprofen for the swelling and apply some ice packs but only for 15 min on and 15 min off twice. It will regulate very soon, hugs mama, I am sorry you are uncomfortable!

[akind1]

totally pump some off the top! I *had* to - I was so engorged my nipples were flat and baby could not latch. it helped draw them out, relieve the pressure, and helped DS latch better. and started my freezer stash!

[Heba]

*nodding head to all suggestions* Also make sure to let babe finish one side before offering the other - I know it may seem counter-intuitive, but it's actually better in terms of relieving the engorgement. If she won't take the second side, then you can always express a wee bit for comfort.

If she's having difficulty latching on, you could try reverse-pressure softening described here: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/engorgement.html

Congratulations on your little one, and the best of luck!

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by akind1

totally pump some off the top! I *had* to - I was so engorged my nipples were flat and baby could not latch. it helped draw them out, relieve the pressure, and helped DS latch better. and started my freezer stash!

This was me. Everyone said "It will take a few days for your milk to come in so don't worry about it" and I was painfully engorged the day after he was born!

Yes, pump off the top if you need to!

[lovepiggie]

Originally Posted by AFWife

This was me. Everyone said "It will take a few days for your milk to come in so don't worry about it" and I was painfully engorged the day after he was born!

Yes, pump off the top if you need to!

Same here! The nurses came by the day after we got home from the hospital, and they were telling me I should start getting engorged within a few days.. And I pointed out my rock solid, full of milk boobies! I think it was because DS was awake for 8 hours after he was born, and nursed the entire time!

[mommy212]

your boobs will most likely be alternately engorged and empty as you adjust to your baby! Make sure you let him feed when he needs to, and it will even itself out. This seems very normal to me.

[manymillers9]

This sounds normal to me. It's a good sign that your milk production is good. It's ok to "pump to comfort" (not to drain). Just make sure you are offering the breast every 1.5-2 hours and that will help even out your supply a bit quicker.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I had to pump for relief very early on. I never knew a breast could be so hard it was like rocks on my chest.

[LindsC]

I totally agree with everyone else. We had the same thing happen here and I would just pump a little to take the edge of the pain from the engorgement.