At first I had an easy time breastfeeding (unlike with my first son) until my milk came in. Now the baby has problems latching on correctly and I really don't even want him to feed that way they hurt so bad. Is there any way I can continue once they go down? Can I just manually pump for a while as if he was feeding that way until they soften up? How long will this last?
I was really happy breastfeeding until my boobs turned into rocks. They are worse than the csection pain. Thanks for your help!
2007-12-03 06:30:53 · 6 answers · asked by xtra9009 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The lactation consultant at the hospital i delivered at told me to try to breastfeed my daughter every 2-3 hrs and if she wouldn't eat or wouldn't eat much then to make sure to pump or else your milk supply will go down too much.
Starting on the third day after my daughter was born I had the same problem you're having and it hurt so bad! My breasts were so engorged she couldn't get a hold of anything but the nipple. I researched online and found a web site that explained a way to soften up the areola so she could latch on to it. It said to press down on the areola to push the milk out of it just before you try to get her to latch on. The milk will leak out some and some will go to another part of the breast. It will flow back to the areola within 30 seconds or so, so you need to try to latch her on immediately. The way you press is to use two hands, one on each side of the breast with your fingertips pointing towards the nipple, and try to cover the entire areola and press your fingers against your breast for about 20-30 seconds. Another way to do it is to use a bottle nipple and put your nipple in the center of it and press down on the ring against your areola. I hope this makes sense--I can't remember the web site that had the pictures of how to do this. If have any other questions about breastfeeding, you can email me. My daughter is 5 weeks old and I learned a lot about breastfeeding that I wish I knew earlier b/c it would've made it a lot easier! Also, the football position was easier when we were first getting started breastfeeding--for some reason she could just latch on better. Good luck!!
2007-12-03 07:32:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is painful when the milk first comes in because you get so engorged. Your breast will eventually produce as much as your baby needs because it is a supply and demand sort of thing so you dont want to pump. If you pump, your breast will start making all of that milk and probably keep causing the engorgement.
You can express a little milk right before you feed the baby just to make your nipples softer so the baby can latch on easier. If it continues to be painful and bothersome you can apply warm compresses or better yet get into a warm shower. You will probably leak or even spray but it can help relieve some of the pressure.
You do need to get rid of some of the milk for relief but just keep it to a minimum because as i said before if you pump, your breast will keep producing that much milk. Good luck and congrats on the new bundle.
2007-12-03 14:49:47 · answer #2 · answered by sandra e 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just hang in there a few more days, they really will go down. Your production takes a little while to regulate, but once it does they will not be engorged.
Pumping can only cause problems, as your supply might not be the same as the demand once you switch back- which lands you right back in the same boat of trying to get it regulated properly.
You can express a little milk to help firm up your nipples and make from room for baby to latch on, but dont pump much at all. Generally if you can lay down and nurse, and make a little sandwich with your nipple by pulling the skin around it, it makes it much MUCH easier for baby to latch on when you're over full.
Dont worry, I promise your supply will slow down before too long- this part of it is totally normal.
2007-12-03 14:36:03 · answer #3 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had the same thing. I'd first try expressing a bit until they are soft enough for baby to get his latch on. Then I'd have baby nurse both sides (depends on baby how long). For me it lasted about a week or so. Also try taking hot showers/using hot compresses to ease swelling. Wear a snug nursing bra and have baby feed often in small amounts. I'd not try exclusively pumping since the breast is smart and knows how much to give to baby. Your milk supply is just coming in and if you bear with it for a week or so it'll get better.
Applause to you for breastfeeding your baby. What a wonderful gift!
Blessings to you.
2007-12-03 15:09:41 · answer #4 · answered by phoenix4404 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. I had this problem and I had to stop breastfeeding immediately- it even hurt to wear a shirt, I spent hours of the day in a hot shower for some kind of comfort. But I agree- for me, this hurt more than my labor! Good Luck!
2007-12-03 14:36:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Did you get some nipple cream. They sell this like big chap stick for your nipples?
2007-12-03 14:35:05 · answer #6 · answered by Heather 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋