Breastfeeding

[micc]

I'm not really sure what thread to put this on!
Basically I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or went through something similar. My second daughter is 10 days old, she is doing super well, really chunky and she is putting on weight. My midwife was really happy with everything, I feel really lucky it's gone so well. The same issue I'm having happened with my first DD, I think I produce too much milk. With my first DD i pumped all the time. I am trying to pump just once a day this time, as I dont want to encourage my boobs to produce more.. is that right? Haha
I cant go through the night without her feeding or pumping. She fed at 5am and I had to wake her up I was in agony. It also comes out so quickly she chokes on it everytime. Midwife was sympathetic but she wasnt concerned about that, she said sometimes milk just comes out too quickly there isnt much you can do about it. The most peaceful feeds are the ones where she feeds not long after I've pumped and I feel that she still gets enough. I have a hakaa pump this time, I wanted to try something different and a bit less intense than a electric pump as again I thought it wouldnt encourage my boobs to produce more it would just help take the edge off.. am I right in thinking that?
Basically I want to keep it going for around 6 months as I did with my DD if it goes well, not putting too much pressure on myself but that's the goal. I got mastitis 3 times with my DD and it was a nightmare I am a bit paranoid about getting it again. I feel as though I'm stuck between a bit of a rock and a hard place, I feel that I need to pump.. but I dknt want to pump too much I have no need for tones of excess milk in the freezer but I also hate wasting it 😂, I'm like I dont want to pour this away! What if I need it! I also want to encourage my boobs to produce a bit less but not stop. Is there a way of doing that? Has anyone been through the same? I really hope this doesnt come across bad, I feel so lucky and blessed I'm able to feed her, I am just in quite a lot of pain and struggling to sleep at the moment. Thanks !

Congratulations on your baby! I had this too and would definitely avoid pumping as milk works on a supply and demand basis and it will just tell your body to make more. If you are uncomfortable and she won't feed it is best to just hand express the bare minimum for comfort. This article is really helpful. I'd also contact your local La Leche Leche League as they are super helpful and supportive. Also the National Breastfeeding Helpline are excellent.

Also this

LLL is a very good idea - there are online meetings every day, so you might well be able to go to one today.

My oversupply was helped by:

• cabbage leaves kept in the fridge and applied as necessary (go carefully, they can reduce supply quite a bit)
• hand express for comfort but no pumping
• avoiding heat (baths, showers etc) until it calmed down, as heat made the swelling worse
• in the end, block feeding was what sorted it, but you should try the other things first

We're moving this thread over to our Infant Feeding topic at the OP's request.

It’s generally recommended not to pump until your supply has settled at 6-8 weeks unless there’s a medical need as it will increase your supply. Is there a reason you’re pumping? Just feeding baby on demand will mean your breasts learn what baby needs and start to regulate themselves

If you have excess milk you can donate it, they use it with premature babies whose mother’s are unable to produce it, you freeze it and they collect in certain areas. Google UKAMB.