HELP - How to manage over supply now milk has come in?

[ppandj]

Ds2 was born on Tuesday via elective c-section. He latched really well and breastfeeding was going much better than it did with ds1. He was feeding for a while at a time and seemed pretty content and calm. Since coming home he has been feeding little and often and not for long at all, I'm just feeding on demand. Problem is that my breasts are now really engorged and hard but he isn't draining them and I think it's becoming harder to latch for him. I've tried hand expressing a bit off to soften them but need to express more to have any effect. I'm worried about expressing too much and making the problem worse. Shall I just ride it out til it settles?

the painful bit only lasts a couple of days. You can put cabbage leaves in your bra which is supposed to be soothing. Id just make sure they were well supported and ride it out though

The problem will probably resolve itself in a few days.
In the meantime, I would make an effort to drain the breasts as it could lead to a blocked duct, whihc is horribe and painful.
I would suggest getting into a hot shower and giving both tits a good squeeze.

"I'm worried about expressing too much and making the problem worse."
I think its better to keep the milk moving than not. But I think you can prevent this happening by applying something cold to the breast (Cold cabbage leaf, bag of frozen peas etc) immidiately after expressing.

At this stage DO express to allow him to latch - your boobs will calm down in s few days and at that stage it's important not to express too much to lower your Supply but st this stage it's about getting him on.

Also try block feeding - keep putting him back on the same side for feeds and only when it's completely drained try the other. Careful not to do this too much though as it can really lower supply over time.

Ps I always think a breastfeeding counsellor should visit at day 3/4 - it's one thing latching them on for colostrum in the hospital but often a few tweaks are needed when the milk comes in. Don't be afraid to do to s breastfeeding drop in group to get help from a breastfeeding counsellor - there's loads about and makes such a difference having the real life help and someone look at your latch again etc

"Laid back breastfeeding" might help - have a google, but basically you prop yourself up so baby can lie down your front with mouth at breast. It's really good for fast flow so might help with engorgement as well? Have you got breastfeeding peer supporters in your area? We have a group locally who are absolutely fab and also run a Facebook group, so maybe there's something similar near you.

Hi ppandj - I had the same problem for ages esp with one boob. I found that if I expressed a fair bit by hand in the shower, then about 4-5 hours later my baby was able to feed better off that breast. At 4 months it's now sorted itself out and I gave up pumping as I think it was making it worse for me. Also I tried the baby under my arm , sorting of drinking 'backwards' and that helped on the 'difficult' boob! Good luck.

Take a look at reverse pressure softening. Particularly after a section the body has additional fluid and that fluid often settles on the breasts. The breast tissue swells and the milk/colostrum can back up behind it.

Massaging gently towards your body and armpits can help to drain the swelling, soften the breast and allow the milk to flow.

Thanks for all your replies! I had a similar problem when feeding DS1 in that my body produced too much milk for a while until we got our rhythm.

Just thought I'd update in case anyone finds this thread with a similar issue;

Tried the hot showers but didn't get any relief. So I have been feeding on one side for a few feeds at a time and this has definitely helped me to feel more comfortable but has also helped DS2 get past the watery first part of the feed and get onto the thicker part. We're now day 5 and although they are still a bit engorged they aren't as uncomfortable and DS2 can latch on.

Thanks all

Dannydyer that's really interesting, I never knew about that. I can feel that it may be a bit of that so will definitely try the reverse pressure.