Producing too much milk?

[Hattieboomboom]

I'm breastfeeding my first baby - he's two weeks old. Up until a few days ago he would feed from one breast for about 20 mins, on and off, with me constantly trying to keep him awake, and sometimes take some of the second breast. Since then, my breasts seem to have started producing much more milk as they're unpleasantly hard and have started leaking at night. And he only wants to feed for about 10 mins at the most now before coming off looking full and falling straight to sleep and being impossible to wake or interest in taking any more.

I'm a bit worried he's not getting enough hind milk - I know there's lots still left in my breast after he's come off as its still quite firm and i can easily squeeze more milk out. He was gaining weight fine at last check but has green explosive poo and seems to have uncomfortable wind sometimes. Other than that he's just VERY sleepy most of the time.

At two weeks, should he be emptying a breast at each feed?

I'm also wondering whether/when my breasts will sync their milk production with how much he needs. Any ideas anybody?

Oh, I'm feeding on a 3 hourly routine in case that's of interest.

many thanks in advance for any advice / reassurance.

All sounds pretty normal to me. 2 week olds are very sleepy. Your breasts will indeed sync in time. Personally I would probably be feeding a 2 week old more often than 3 hourly (esp during the day) - it could well be that your DS needs "little and often" and that would help relieve some of the pressure from your breasts too.

Falling asleep during a feed is pretty normal too - have you tried tickling his feet?!

Have you tried changing his nappy so that he wakes up, and then putting him back on the same breast?

Very normal. Things will sync, but you might want to try feeding more often, as this will relieve the pressure in your breasts - try hourly during the day if you can - a 2 week old has a tiny stomach. Also, you could try expressing some milk if you are sore - it will keep for about 3 months in the freezer, so it need not be wasted, and could be used some night when you really need a few hours extra sleep!

Congratulations on your new baby :)

I suggest you stop feeding on a routine. At this early stage you run the risk of ruining your supply before it's even established. In fact, it may be the big gaps that's causing the constant engorgement.

Your supply will generally start to settle down by 6-8 weeks. By 12-16 weeks your boobs will probably be quite floppy again.