Breastmilk come in.... couple of questions!!

[Nemoinapeartree]

hi
breastmilk has come in today, however I am not able to bf due to medication I am on so just wondered as they are hurting am I better leaving them or expressing a little bit off to just relieve the pressure?
thanks

[ChunkerXmasCake]

Think people advise leaving it, Nemo. Can possibly express a tiny bit, just enough to ease it and no more, if breasts start to feel lumpy or hot.

Are you 100% sure the medication's incompatible with bfeeding? Really, really, really sorry if I should know this, btw - just would hate you to have been misinformed about it.

[Nemoinapeartree]

hunker yeah am sure mws, consultant psychatrist etc all recommended against it. They arent hot or lumpy yet and pain is managable but just wanted to prepare myself..lol

hope you are ok

[teabagsandwine]

do you want to bf? (I'm just wondering if you will be on the medication for long?) If so I would express to keep your supply up until you can bf. If not, I am not sure, I have not stopped BF yet. I have heard of some people just leaving them until the milk goes away. Some express a very small amount to relieve the engorgement but in the long run that will only encourage your body to continue to produce more milk and prolong it. HTH

[ChunkerXmasCake]

That's OK - just know how ridiculously misinformed a lot of HPs are about bfeeding and medication and would hate you to have had duff advice.

I'm OK - have a v hiccupy baby wriggling away in my tummy atm - won't be long before I hold this bundle - babies seem to be being born thick and fast on MN atm - must've been a dull spring, eh?

[Nemoinapeartree]

medication is going to be long term as I suffer bad depression and anxiety, refused meds while pg but am fully aware of how quickly i sank after having ds. So will be at least a few months as a precaution this time.

[teabagsandwine]

I hope it all goes well for you. I think if you bind them tightly for as much as poss that can also restrict the milk coming in any more

[thecattleareALOHing]

Do you actively want to breastfeed? What medication is it?

[thecattleareALOHing]

this is useful.

Are on Lithium? This is the only drug hale does say definitely shouldn't be used while breastfeeding.

[thecattleareALOHing]

otherwise people who know about these things say that expressing just a little is OK.

[kattymac]

if they are hurting have you tried a v.warm water on a cloth/flannel, or taking a shower/bath to soothe, once they feel a bit better put on a well fitting bra and try not to touch them!!
binding the breasts -not recommended and very uncomfortable

[Nightynight]

try the cabbage leaves? Though I have to say, the only thing they did for me was to imprint a nice pattern of cabbage leaves on my skin. Maybe I had the wrong kind of cabbage?
warm shower/wash helps, I can testify.

otherwise, express a very tiny bit only.

ooh I remember this discomfort well. Hope it passes quick.