When does engorgement ease?

[GinaRae]

My milk began coming in last evening at about 50 hours post-birth... and so by morning I am pretty sore. Baby doesn't empty them out at all, of course, so I was wondering when the breasts decide how much they should be making and stop over-producing?

Because of my working and poor pumping schedule, I never ever stopped getting painfully engorged at even over 5 months. I am hoping not to go thru that this time.

[scheelimama]

I have no idea, since I've never really been engorged. But my breasts are a bit full. Piper likes to nurse a LOT though, so, I'll probably be looking at mother's milk tea and possibly meds soon to help me make enough. Total opposite problem of you. Had the same problem both times with my others too. But I was working, so like you, I hope it's not a problem this time.

[GinaRae]

My hubby went to the health food store the other day and must have sounded pathetic because he brought me what I needed but also three things I didn't ask for that the clerk told him new mothers buy. One was Mother's Milk tea and I just laughed.

Does he NOT remember my ability to squirt him from several feet away? Does he forget how I leaked every second for months on end?? SHEESH man!

Anywhoo, good luck! I hope there are no problems for either of us in the future. But for now, I see the new hemp breast pads I ordered do NOT stop my tendency to leak through to my shirt

[monocyte]

Hopefully soon!

I feel better now (9 days out, milk in about 36 hours...quick!!) I'm still somewhat engorged, but I dont have walnuts under my armpits anymore. That is the worst.

Know whats weird...I havent leaked once - I leaked for 2 years with older DS...I have a ton of breastpads, and just realized I havent had to use one at all!!

[chrysalis]

i remember leaking lots but can't remember if that was before or after megh was born...probably most likely it was after......man i was one full mama. yeah it was after....cuz i'd nurse her to get relief....i'd wake her or whatever just to get relief....i'd know when i needed to nurse her even when she didn't or if we were driving in the car too long or whatever...oh man its coming back to me now.... whew! i better buy some nursing pads. i can't remember which my faves were...darnit. i got engorged and that was when i leaked like mad. whew! thankfully i never got mastitis until megh was about 15 mos. old or so...that was AWFUL. i'd just say keep on expressing the milk/nursing baby. squirting dh's....etc. i remember squirting and leaking milk when i would orgasm. that was kind of cool. lol ho hum guess it'll be a one woman show this time around... are you engorged now gina??? i think that mine were like this for a few months...but i can't remember for sure.

[lesliesara63]

nak

i've been badly engorged w/ both babies. this time i think i handled it better. i took ibuprofen, used ice packs & pumped enough to soften the nipple as needed. i ended up w/ about 12 oz in 24 hrs! my boobs were feeling much better in about 48hrs. i also kept harrrassing dd to nurse, nurse, nurse even though she was pretty sleepy. hope you feel better soon.

[GinaRae]

I'll probably get some cabbage tomorrow to stuff in my bra. Maybe ice.

I am harassing lil Lach to nurse too as I want to stay away from the pump. I do think the engorgement isn't as bad as it was with my first three. I think I am doing it right this time by trying to nurse really often.

I am getting those hard spots on the sides under my armpits too. Ouch. I am trying to massage them as hes nursing and that helps temporarily.

[Curlita]

Mine lasted about two days and then eased up. Don't pump unless you really, really feel you must, and try to limit it to once during a 24 hour period -- otherwise you are telling your body that yes, indeed, you do need that additional milk being produced. I did that with Dylan and wound up with a lot of plugged duct issues.

I have heard mixed things about whether hot compresses are good or bad for engorgement -- tried it once and it sure felt good. Lots of massaging in the shower and while nursing helps, too. Hang in there, it's temporary!

[wwisdomskr]

Originally Posted by GinaRae

I'll probably get some cabbage tomorrow to stuff in my bra. .

Be really careful with the cabbage leaves and only place them directly over sore spots/plugged ducts. Don't leave them on for too long. They have been known to completely dry up milk supply.

[GinaRae]

I've used cabbage before and not dried, but I am much more aware this time and interested in building the supply just right. I decided today not to try that.

Last night was hard because I was rock hard and the boogar actually SLEPT! I fed at 10pm, 2am and 7am! And then he ate on and off from 7am to 10am and again at 11am. So I am not feeling engorged at all.

I actually feel really really good for the first time about breastfeeding. Whew!

I will not touch that pump, period. And i have not used a pacifier when it seems he is just snacky or needing pacifying. I want to do this on my own with my breasts until I know the BF relationship with him inside and out!