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What to Do About Engorgement?

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cln1812 Active User, very eHealthy
December 19th, 2007
So...my milk has finally fully come in, and I can't believe how huge and hard & painful my boobs have gotten. I am breastfeeding, so I don't want to dry up my milk; however, I seem to be making more milk than she can eat (she's a tiny baby, was only 5 lb. 12 oz. at her hospital release). Her latch is good; she's getting plenty of poopy & wet diapers. She eats frequently during the day but doesn't tend to eat long (maybe 15, 20 minutes or so, sometimes less). After midnight, she usually wakes about 2 times to nurse. It is not enough to relieve the pain at all.

I do have a breastpump...will using that help? If so, when is the best time to pump & how much should I pump? (Also, how frequently should I pump?) I have heard not to pump too much as it only encourages more milk to come in, but is it OK to pump a little to relieve the pressure? Are there any other tips BTDT moms can give me?

Also, how long does engorgement usually last?
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young Girl
replied December 19th, 2007
Especially eHealthy
put cabbage leaves in your bra
this will help tremendously

mine lasted abut a week Sad
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young Girl
replied December 19th, 2007
Especially eHealthy
oh and you can pump and freeze the milk too!
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mominashoe
replied December 20th, 2007
Community Volunteer
You can let some run off in the shower and otherwise, but what you've heard is true: supply and demand is the rule here, so if you don't want to make more, don't pump it.

You can try ice packs at your milk glands, which is at the top near your arm pits. This will help slow things down a little. Sometimes it's just a matter of time before your body realizes, whoa, this is way too much.
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number game
replied December 26th, 2007
Extremely eHealthy
You can always pump only AFTER nursing to completly empty your breast. I know this response is a little late and your breast are probably fine now. So how's breastfeeding going for you now?
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sillyakchick
replied December 31st, 2007
Extremely eHealthy
I pumped an ounce or two at each feeding and froze it for my return to work. By now the engorgement should be dissipating, I hope. It takes a little while for you and your infant to get into the right supply and demand rhythm. (Isn't it weird to have boobs that big???? Yikes!)
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newmommy07
replied January 21st, 2008
Active User, very eHealthy
Hmm goodluck with the breastfeeding, seems I'm not making enough for my son so he is on formula now. I was thinking of pumping my breasts to see if that would help me make more milk?
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