My breasts are hurting!

[wildgarden]

My milk came in Tuesday night (DD was born Monday morning). She is nursing great, but my breasts hurt so much. They are often engorged despite her nurse-a-thons. Is it just a transition thing? I don't remember it lasting this long with DS.

Any advice? I have tried warm showers, massage, warm compresses, and cold compresses.

[DoomaYula]

My answer to any and all bf'ing questions is Avent Breast Shells. They help with soreness and can hold some milk so you won't be engorged.

When my milk came in last time, I got a fever and they were like giant red-hot boulders. This time no fever, but it hurt to lift my arms to wash my hair in the shower.

[Brisen]

(Although I'm sure you'd rather not be hugged right now!)

I had more engorgement than I expected this time. I filled the tub to the brim with hot water and let buoyancy help relieve some of the pain.

I still get engorged occasionally because I have a toddler who wants to nurse non-stop at home, but when we're out she ignores me, which is a problem when we spend a whole day with family.

[marlygf]

I'm so sorry, I feel for you though! I am still pretty full and my milk came in a week ago Thursday. My lo brought it in swift and then didn't want to eat very much I've been pumping the excess. My nipples still hurt because she'll mess up her latch every so often, but it's getting better. Good luck, all the hot water tricks didn't work for me so I just had to empty myself. It also helped to put my bra on. That way they got held up and my back didn't hurt as much from how huge they are.

[HeatherB]

I was in SO much pain this time, even with a fever and body aches, etc. Cabbage leaves provided huge relief for me. Some places I read said it can be better than a cold pack, and it really seemed to be. It can help reduce engorgement some and also is just cool and soothing. I think I may have ended up taking some Advil, too, at my MW's suggestion. Why can't I remember now just what I did? : Anyhow, the cabbage was a big help! Hope you feel better soon!!