engorged breasts after expressing...

[nanu]

Hi, I'm a bit of a newbie here so apols in advance if this question has already been covered.
First child - 5wk old daught.

For the first time, I expressed bm this weekend and since then, I have noticed how engorged my breasts have become . Can anyone please advise on the following:

How do I go about bf - I think she is uncomfortable at the b & may not b latching on properly... I'm worried that she may not be getting enough.

Will my breasts settle down or will they continue to become engorged every time I express.

I have also been noticing a sharp pain in my breasts since I've been bf - should I be worried?

[tiktok]

nanu - expressing is likely to have boosted your supply so you are making more than your baby wants. Result: engorged breasts. Is there any reason why you are expressing?

If your baby is thriving, and you are not sore, then she is well-positioned and getting enough

can you say more about the sharp pain - before, during or after feeding, for example?

[aloha]

I sometimes have a day or two of engorged leaky breasts then it goes back to normal. I think it happens after a day or so or more feeding, perhaps for a growth spurt.

[nanu]

Thanks for the quick reply irishbird & tiktok .

Sharp pain - both breasts after feeds - pain is on & off.

The reason I'm expressing is to stock up on rations. I only expressed for 10 mins on Sat & Sun morn.

She's not latching on properly because they're engorged/hard etc - how do I get around this? Do I express a little out to soften them & then feed her on the same breast or express into a bottle to & feed her from the bottle.

[tiktok]

Yes, soften breasts gently with hand expressing and then put the baby on direct...no need for hassle with pumps and giving a bottle.

Not sure about the pain - doesn't sound like let down reflex. Sometimes, women with breast thrush get a sharp shooting pain, but there are other signs as well.

There's a lot we don't know about breast pain.

[nanu]

Thanks folks. I thought as much but I wasnt 100% sure being new to all this bf-ing. I was just a it confused as to what to do - couldnt get hold of my HV, MW, or Clinic !. I'm just glad that I can at least rely some help & advice from mumsnetters !

Have mentioned the pains to my HV but she didnt seem too concerned - I'll bring it up at my next checkup though.