OW! Is this what they mean by engorgement?

[clairefromsteps]

My DD was born last Tuesday and I've been breastfeeding her since then. We've both taken to it really easily, except that I woke up this morning with boobs like bowling balls. On fire. I've tried cabbage leaves, but they've not really done much except make me smell vaguely sulphurous. Do cabbage leaves take a while to work? DH is taking me out this afternoon to get fitted for a nursing bra (I left it until my milk came in as I'm usually a 34F cup and had no idea what size they would expand to). Does anyone else have any genius ideas to soothe my boobs? And how long does this feeling last for? Please tell me it only lasts a day or so as I'm currently shuffling round the house clutching my swollen, sore bosoms and moaning faintly.

[MotherPanda]

i've heard a hot flannel can do wonders. sounds very nasty. can you express any milk at all - that should ease pain too.

hope you're soothed soon

[RitaMorgan]

Didn't last long - just a couple of days for me. Feeding as often as possible is the only thing I found soothing, such a relief!

[mooshy1970]

Your body is doing just what it should as uncomfortable as it is for you right now . id advise lots of skin to skin and frequent feeding . Listen for swallowing which is reassuring .<br /> Its tempting to express but the more you remove milk the more youll make, so just baring allow your baby to take what he needs and your body will adjust to his needs in a while .
In the meantime take some paracetamol rest eat sleep when you can (with your baby near you ) and perhaps dont even go out today for bra ! I was lucky if i managed to brush my teeth first few weeks !
Skin to skin lots and lots .
Enjoy xxx