Questions about breastfeeding?

Question

My 2nd son was born 9 weeks early, just like my first, and he'll be in the hospital for another three weeks. We haven't tried breastfeeding yet (he's on a feeding tube) but I've been pumping every three hours (a little longer at night) and have a good supply of milk. I was wondering if it's possible for me to be allergic to my own milk. When it's time for me to pump, my breasts get itchy and red and it lasts throughout the pumping but goes away as soon as I'm done. What is this and is there something I can do to help with the itch? I don't go back for my six week checkup for another four weeks and I don't know if this warrents a call to the doctor or not. Also, I've read that mothers should pump for about 10-15 minutes on each side and there's something wrong if it lasts longer but when I'm pumping, I can express milk for about 45 minutes. Should I keep pumping until my breasts are empty to keep my milk supply up, or should I only do it for the 10 minutes like I've read?

Also, when I'm in the hospital, I use their hospital grade electric pump but the one I use at home is not the hospital grade kind. I still get the same effect with both pumps. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

Evin - I never thought of that. I am allergic to latex and there are shields to put on the pump I have at home. I'm wondering if those are latex and if that is what's causing the problem, although I don't use the shields at the hospital.

Answer 1

this is something to call the doctor about so call them. i dont know what else to say but call your doctor you could be allergic to the pump your using also

Answer 2

This could ba an allergy to the pump. If it is latex, silicone, or what have you. Before attaching the pump, try expressing just a bit with your hand and rub it where the pump touches the skin. Breast milk is an amazing thing and can help. Also, do the same when you finish. If this helps, you may have your answer, and will just need to find a cover of somesort for the pump. If it makes it worse, call your doc. As far as pumping, it is great that you can pump so much. While you are not able to feed the actual baby, it is wonderful to try to match or exceed the demands baby will have when you 2 are together. As long as the supply is not decreasing, keep up what you are doing. I believe the 10 min thing is for mothers who are also feeding baby. But in your case, I dont think it would be enough. You are on the right track, keep it up! I wish you and your new little one the best of luck, and hope you can be together soon!

Answer 3

You should continue to pump no matter what. You're probably pumping longer because you're not "feeding" anyone, which means, the feeding time is until the baby is full. It's great to hear that you are expressing milk even if your baby isn't there. It's a beautiful thing when we BF. au natural. As for the itch, could be the latex. Check on line or with your Dr. if there are alternatives for the shields. Make sure you rub a little milk on your nipples after your done. Also, use some cocoa butter to soothe the itch too; since you're not feeding the baby.

Answer 4

I had the exact same thing happen to me, except I did not pump for 45 minutes at a time. Wow, you are a trooper to be that patient. I dont think that that is good for you though. Maybe thats why they are red. You are generally supposed to pump 10-15 minutes because that is about how long a baby naturally takes to become satisfied off of breast feeding. Instead of pumping longer why dont you try pumping in closer intervals. Instead of pumping lets say every 4 hours, pump ever 3 hours. That way you can still stay ahead of your babies feedings. Also, I dont know if you are doing this, but try freezing any extra milk that you get. I did that and I used it for night feedings so I could sleep at night. Worked out wonderfully.

Answer 5

Firstly congrats, and good luck with establishing breastfeeding with your little premmie. My son was 14 weeks premmie and started his first breastfeeds at 33 weeks gest and loved it.

You wont be allergic to your breast milk...it's created by your body so there's no possibility of you being allergic to it. The itchy redness is more likely to be caused by a reaction to the pump or something on the pump. I would have a similar reaction when I was expressing, and I found that it was due to the milton's sterilising liquid. I ended up having to boil the pump parts instead and that fixed it.

Don't go by what you read, go by your body. If you still have milk, continue expressing until your breasts are empty BUT swap over breasts after 10-15 minutes so that your breasts and nipples get a rest from the pump. Pumps are harder on your body than a baby's mouth, so you can cause a bit of damage if you express continually without a rest for a long time. Express for 10 mins from one, then swap to the other for ten, then swap back again and so on until you have stripped the milk from your breast fully.

Finish off by hand too, it's a lot gentler on the breast than a pump when you are down to the last few drops.

Good luck and keep with it.

Answer 6

Yay! Good for you bf'ing. Preemies benefit so much from it, especially.

From the info you've given I would say that maybe you've got the setting too high on the pump or maybe, possibly you're having a reaction to the cup. If you have a latex allergy it could cause a reaction like that, I think. But my first guess would be to check your setting. (I am also assuming that you're using a high-quality pump like a Pump In Style or Purely Yours, yeah? A lower grade can actually cause damage to breast tissue...it happened to me and is not something you want to deal with)

**ETA: the above poster made a good point, it could be soap residue. didn't even think of that.**

When you're done pumping, try some lanolin cream like Lansinoh to help soothe your nipples.

I've never read about ONLY pumping 10-15 min. I have read to pump for a minimum of that time, so I'm not sure about what you're saying there...My best advice would be to ask an IBCLC

From Kellymom.com:
"Once mom's milk is in, pump for 30 minutes per session, or for 2-5 minutes after the last drops of milk."

Best of luck and congratulations!!

Answer 7

As far as the redness and itchyness, you may want to consider washing your pump with something else. You could be irrataded by what ever you are using to clean the pump.

Also you may want to use a more efficent pump. Since you are exclusivlly pumping right now you should have a hospital grade pump or try switching the settings. Maybe pump at faster intervals or with more suction.

No matter what I would pump unitl you are empty. If you only pump for 10-15 and you are still full you are not getting enough out and your supply will dwindle.

Answer 8

It is normal for you breasts to get itchy as you are using some type of device to pump the sunction makes it itchy, along with the moisture from the milk, you can go to the store like Target or babies R Us and they have special ointments and creams for the nursing moms to help with the discomfort and redness.
Also i would not keep the pump on so long maybe if you are getting alot of milk expressed (lucky you i did not have such luck with the pump mine only seemed to work when my son was attached to them!) Try 10min but I would not be longer than 15 min max. Take a break then start up again. If this is not helpful I would consult with the Lactation nurse they are the experts in breastfeeding.

Answer 9

pump more frequently... if you are that full then that is why your breast are itching...
pump every hour and half...
freeze the milk and no, you are not allergic to your own milk...
Blessings to you

Answer 10

is it the pump that is bugging you good luck and i hope your baby is home soon