breastfeeding yet leaking breastmilk...?

Question

My baby girl is 14 days old...we seem to have finally got the nursing down. However, when I am feeding her, the other side leaks SO much! I have to use breastshield things cause I have slightly flat nipples...these darn things FILL up with milk and I spill milk every time I lean over...plus, it is SO annoying to wake up at 2am with my shirt SOAKED. Any advice? Should I pump the "off" side or will that just make more milk and compound the problem? I tried the pad things but they reflatten my nipples and she can't latch on...please help!!

why isn't this posting?!?!

Answer 1

* You can pump the leaking breast enough to relieve the pressure and stop it from leaking. If you don't empty the breast completely, it should just even it out. Besides, you will want to nurse her on that side when she is finished with the first. Always rotate which breast you start with so that the next time it is the other one that leaks. This way, both breasts will continue to fill and empty, therefore ensuring that there is always enough milk to satisfy her.
* If you don't feel like getting the pump out, just hold a clean cup under your breast and let the milk leak into the cup.
* It is a blessing that your body is producing an abundance of milk. Save this milk and freeze it for times when you can not nurse (for instance if something happens and you should be separated from her-hospital, etc.)
* There are some things called "nipple shields" that you can wear inside your bra during the times you are not feeding. They will help your nipples to reshape. When you are ready to nurse again, you should have no problem. But you can stimulate the nipple with your finger when you get ready to nurse. This should cause blood flow to the nipple and help it to "stand out."

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have two daughters.
Daughter one nursed until 16 months old (now 3 yrs old)
Daughter two is still nursing (15 months old)