I had my baby 4 days ago, I'm bottle feeding, my boobs are swelling any sugestions?

Question

How do I begin breast feedings now that I've been bottle feeding?
What can help reduce the swelling?
I'm wearing sport bras like the doctor suggested but my chest is busting through the sides and top. Also my feet are swollen, new to me because with my first pregnancy this didn't happen ... any suggestions? Hope this helps you to help me ... ThAnK yOu

Answer 1

If you don't plan on breastfeeding, then there is a remedy i used. I put cabbage leaves around my breast inside the sports bra. I got the lil breast pads or nursing pads to catch the leaks. I also put ice packs on them. The warmth makes more milk which makes more pain. Basically don't touch them unless needed until the milk dries.

Answer 2

There are several options.

If you are interested in breastfeeding, you could try putting the baby to the breast to see if he's interested. If he won't take it (he may have developed a nipple preference already,) then ask your doctor about nipple shields, which look like bottle nipples that you place over your breast nipple to eliminate confusion. They create a seal and allow the baby to draw milk out using a nipple they are more familiar with. Getting him on YOUR nipple would be better in the long run. Maybe try a lactation consultant if there's one in your area. Your OB or Pediatrician should be able to refer you.

Another option would be a breast pump, which would not only relieve symptoms but also provide breast milk that you can put in a bottle for the baby. Pumping provides a variable amount of stimulation. Some mom's can pump their breasts for months (or years) and keep the milk supply going. Others stop producing milk without the actual stimulation of nursing. But even so it will at least relieve the engorgement.

The swelling should pass within a week, though if it gets worse make sure to call your doctor.

An appointment with a lactation consultant might help you transition back to breasfeeding also. Whichever way you choose, good luck!

Answer 3

If you are wanting to breastfeed, then just start by expressing milk by hand under a warm shower. You will find that once you get the milk flowing, it will just run out in the shower. You can then begin breastfeeding your baby. Your body is going to produce only as much milk as it thinks it needs to feed your baby, so don't hand express often, because that will only trick your body into making more. Cabbage leaves really do help with engorgement during breastfeeding. Be sure to wear a comfortable nursing bra and nurse your baby often on both breasts. Begin with one...let her empty it, then switch to the other one and let her suckle until she is satisfied.

If, on the other hand, you are only considering breastfeeding to relieve the pain of engorgement, think again.

Are you wanting to strictly bottlefeed? If so, then do not use anything warm - do not take hot showers (for a couple of days)...and do NOT express the milk...your body will just make even more milk. I'd go with the previously offered advice of using cabbage leaves. There's something about the ice cold combined with the cabbage leaves that is both soothing and healing. Also, continue to wear a sports bra (be sure to wear it 24-7) that is tight fitting. You are going to be highly uncomfortable for about 2-3 more days, but your body will eventually get the message that you are not breastfeeding and stop making milk.

If you notice any red patches or hot areas on your breasts or under your arm pits, you need to contact your doctor, as you may have an infection in your milk glands. Be sure to take plenty of tylenol for pain and rest in the assurance that it will be over with soon! Good luck!

Answer 4

I would contact the doctor...that much swelling plus the swelling in the feet could be a sign that something was the matter.
Not necessarily but better safe then sorry!!!
Getting a baby to nurse after they have been on the bottle is very difficult in most cases! Plus you will have the same problem once you decide you are done nursing.
I would go with a bigger sports bra and not wear any while sitting alone at home.
Try warm cloths on your chests
Even try dispensing a little by squeezing your breasts yourself.

Answer 5

If you decide to begin breastfeeding: GREAT! It is the best thing for your baby. The Health benifits are too many to name. Get help. You can see the Lactation specialist at your local Hospital for free, or contact a local LaLecheLeage Leader for the best help. Even if you breastfeed for a few days or weeks, it is more healthy than having not done it at all, and I promise you won't regret doing it for your baby.

If you choose to bottlefeed: You will have to get through this time of swelling and engorgement. Here are some tips to help your milk dry up.
How can you reduce discomfort?
You will feel uncorfortable for a few days due to the pressure of the breastmilk. If your breasts feel full and tender at times,
express just enough milk, by hand as needed for comfort. This
will decrease the chance of plugged milk ducts or engorgement.
Wear a comfortable but supportive bra that does not restrict your circulation. Do NOT bind your breasts. This practice is outdated, can be very uncomfortable, and can lead to
plugged milk ducts or a breast infection.
Ice can help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable as your milk supply is decreasing. Ice your breasts for 15 to 20
minutes at a time, at least 4 times each day, or as needed for comfort. Avoid the nipples.
CABBAGE! Wash cold, raw, green cabbage leaves and
crush the leaf veins to release the enzymes. Place “compresses” of these leaves inside your bra cups. Replace cabbage leaves about every 2 hours, or as they wilt, until your milk supply decreases. Often women feel relief in as little as 2 hours.
Use a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Prescription medicine to stop milk production is no longer recommended, as it can have serious side effects. You can take Sudafed, as it dries out membranes. Also Peppermint can help dry out milk. I suggest lots of Peppermint Tea. Or you can buy peppermint capsules at health food stores.

When should you call the doctor?
Call if you have signs of breast infection:
• fever, aching, or feeling ill
• pain, tenderness, or warmth 'hot spots' in breasts

Sometimes the breasts continue to produce a
few drops of milk for weeks, months, or
longer after weaning. Avoid nipple
stimulation, as this may cause a small supply
of milk to continue.

About the feet swelling....to me that is normal. During my last month of pregnancy my ankles/feet looked like elephant feet...so swollen. Then after delivery in the hospital they shrank back down again and looked so pretty and petitie. Then about 3 days after I got home they puffed up again. it was so strange. But then it subsided.
Post partum your body has a LOT of fluid to get rid of. And your body just has to have time. You will find you sweat more at night too for the first little while. I wouldn't be too worried about your feet unless they are painful.

Hope that helps
Good luck, and congrats on the new baby.

Answer 6

ok if you are bottle feedin then do not use heat to help with the pain and swelling try placeing cabbage leaves inside the bra cups this will help with pain and swelling also since your not breast feeding you can take pain medication either what the docter gave you or maybe tylenol or motrin breast feeding is also painful and wont really help with swelling and the pain
been there dont that i tryed breast feeding and it made the pain worse and the breast bigger cause more milk was comming in
so try the cabbage leaves and the pain medication
DO NOT use heat heat mae milk flow fast and heat will keep your breast from drying up

Answer 7

Oh gosh do I remember that! If you don't want to breastfeed then don't agree to do it cuz you think the pain will go away! It won't. The swelling, tenderness, and hardness of your boobs will only last about 3 days. Try to avoid stimulation of your breast. Try to just take showers because the heat of the bath can cause stimulation. Also. whenever you get the chance, put ice packs wrapped in like a wash cloth on your boobs. Even try sleeping with them on...it will feel great. Take lots of tylenol and remember you can take pain meds now that your baby is delivered. Try getting a loose fitting bra with plenty of room so you can stuff those ice packs in there. Trust me....get ice packs!

Answer 8

I know is VERY hard I have a 8 month old baby and breastfeeding has been the worst pain i felt in my life. It is heard but please DON"T GIVE UP. Your milk is the best thing you can give your child. I had a lot of milk and the Dr suggested me to pump all the extra milk after the baby eat. The breast pump Isis by avent work excellent for me I am still using it . Go to this site

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

they can provide you with solutions and might be able to send someone to help you in person. There is more inf also at :

www.babycenter.com

Answer 9

If you are really going to try to breastfeed now, then go ahead and try it. If the baby does take to it(give it a few days to get the hang of it), then try a breast pump to reduce the volume of milk you have, untill the baby regulates your milk supply. Reducing the volume in your breast will alleviate some of the pain.

If you do not think you will breastfeed DO NOT TRY THE PUMP! The more you pump, the more milk you will produce. go to your doctor and get a prescription medication, that will help dry up your breast.

Good Luck

Answer 10

If you want to breatfeed its not too late! Some adoptive moms nurse their babies after they have been on a bottle for months! I would get in contact with LLL or with a good lactation consultant to help you through it. You could try putting the baby to the breast and see if s/he takes it. I have called LLL volunteers at all hours of the day or night and they have ALWAYS been very helpful and supportive! Best of luck to you and congratulations on the birth of your child!

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

PS. My friend swore by the cabbage leaves, but I breastfed both mine so I have no personal experience.