To pump or not?

[Teachtolive]

I posted this in AIBU for traffic but im looking as much help as i can get. I did my last breastfeed a few days ago having wound it down slowly to one breastfeed a night for about a week or so. So basically it was one side one night, one side the next. For the first day or so everything was fine. Yesterday got that familiar ache in my right side, then today the left. Tried massage, tried hot shower, then cold compress but they both have hard, sore lumps. Hand expressing is tough cos I'm getting v little out of them. Should I do a tiny pump with my haakaa pump or will that encourage more supply? I really don't want mastitis again! Help!

I’d give one of the Bfing Helplines a call OP, they’ll have far more up to date information.

Let us know how you get on

I pumped a couple of oz off each breast when they felt uncomfortable and I gradually needed to do it less and less. But I went from full bfing to stopping so took about a week of this starting with 2/3 x a day and it slowly reducing.

Thank you so much for the replies. JiltedJohnsJulie I'm in Ireland and we don't seem to have any helpline that I can find! Only a website that can take 2 days to answer a question :-(

MrsL I've just done a bit there and it's relieved a lump on one side but not the other.

Anyone know in what way engorgement feels different to a blocked duct? For all intents and purposes I feel like I have a swollen tendon in one breast!

Oh ok. If you’ve not got Helplines, have a look at Kellymom

I got some lumps with engorgement that usually went away when I fed/pumped but I have never had a blocked duct so can't compare.

Thanks a million! God, where would I be without the women of mumsnet?! Thank you :)