DS2 Day 2...who knew?

[YokoUhOh]

DS2 arrived on Sunday afternoon and has been surgically attached to my boobs ever since. I've been in a state of confusion over the past few hours, my breasts have turned into painful, pendulous udders and I can hear him swallowing proper milk. I had no idea that your milk could come in this early! The letdown is hell on earth. Is this normal?

[Strokethefurrywall]

Yes it's normal, totally and completely normal, I'm afraid!
But massive congratulations on DS2!
My DS2 was also surgically attached and such an efficient nurser that I had over active letdown in about 4 days.
The best thing is that it passes (the pain). My let down used to feel like lightning bolts through my breasts and I had to hand express a little before each feed so that he didn't choke.
I'll be honest it was hard going with the constant nursing - all I tried to do was nurse as much during the day in the hope that he would feed less in the night.

The best thing was that he would take any kind of nipple so as soon as I knew that he was nursing well I introduced a dummy (day 1!) and started to express around 3 weeks after, once my let down had vaugely righted itself.

[Strokethefurrywall]

The painful let down will ease a little as you get a few days in, and you're only 48 hours in.
The painful full breasts will pass and if really painful and swollen I recommend cold cabbage leaves you laced over the breasts under the bra. No idea how it works but it is very soothing.

[YokoUhOh]

Thanks stroke - very reassuring! Just need to get my mitts on a cabbage...

I BFed DS1 for nearly 3 years, I wasn't expecting to go back to square one this time around! I swear the lightning bolt pain is worse than contractions.

[StrangeDream]

I remember the painful let down in the early days Like an electric shock. Hope it passes soon. Congrats on your new baby

[YokoUhOh]

Thank you strange - I'll be getting DH to put his paternity leave to good use and take the 3 year old to the park while I silently scream and curl my toes all morning :)

[ODog]

My milk came in within 36hrs with DC2. Midwife says it can be quicker second time round as your boob know what to do. Congrats on your baby.

[YokoUhOh]

Thanks ODog. He had his 5 day check today and had gained an ounce on his birth weight so the feeding's going well!

[ODog]

Best feeling ever when they gain at 5days isn't it?

[YokoUhOh]

It was a relief, especially as the batshit midwife last time around weighed DS1 wrong and sent us to hospital for weight loss - we were threatened with feeding plans etc. and he'd only lost 9%.

Boobs much better today! Next job: crack this 'feeding in a sling' business...