Milk supply and rock hard boobs!

[Murtola]

My son is 7 weeks tomorrow and over the last week has changed his feeding habits. He has become much more efficent and is only feeding for 8-10 mintues every 2/3 hours from one side. At night he is also sleeping for 5 hours, then another 2.

My boobs have been like rocks for the last few days. I have been pumping to relieve them but I wondered how long it will take for them to adjust, and if pumping is increasing the milk supply?

Thanks :-)

Pumping will increase your supply, I'm afraid. Unless he's drinking the pumped milk?

I assume his weight gain and health is good, so you have no concerns that he isn't getting enough milk?

If so, I think you might want to reduce how much you're pumping, and then stop, as I suspect the pumping is just delaying your body adjusting to his needs ...

if you are expressing to relieve the discomfort, you are not increasing your supply. you are letting it adjust slowly which is good because you can run the risk of mastitis if you were not.

i think for different women it is takes a different amount of time. it sounds like you have a generous supply which is why it is taking a while.

have you thought of donating your milk to a milk bank? website here about milk banks.

The pumping will increase the milk supply, so I would express just enough to relieve the pain. I found chilled cabbage leaves inside my bra very soothing - but I am very out of date. Chilled flannels might be just as good. Usually the supply settles down over 24 - 48 hours if you just demand feed.

Thanks. His weight gain is fantasic (1lb 4oz in a week). I am simply pumping to relieve, not empty.

Should I be pumping after a feed to empty my boob?

No! Don't pump after a feed!

An empty boob triggers more milk production, and it sounds like you have a bit of an oversupply problem.

no! don't do that. it will deffo increase your supply. what you can try is to feed him from one breast for 2 or 3 feeds, and express just for relief from discomfort from the other. then swap sides. it is how kellymom advises women to adjust their supply when they have an oversupply.

excellent weight gain is another sign of a generous supply.

No dont pump to empty. the more milk that comes out the more your body thinks you need.

Watch out for mastitis. If you get any pain, even under your arms or start feeling feverish see your GP. You dont want mastitis, its awful!

Gentle massage with baby oil can help prevent blocked milk ducts too.

read from around half way down on how to adjust your supply.