Help breast engorged!!!
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https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Harmony-Breastpump-Shields-Expressing/dp/B08H9QJVNZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=U8GV5C2MM0IF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-SSrO_Nct6QxGmStSuvMjI6_kuk_h3QaQnY50l6OaKr69QtKyBwIh3Wyl93L417NVO6V7lrEpb0YZMPcyVrzp1ZD4j9xKVIFY4YGKxapa4R8zTBx-Y42f3IbEx7aHdNkMcxNnEZyXbwQi67SrP0AGS_DqUhQI-BMKhTvXb84KHY6kyq6gKSP-aQTxhAg_EnueW7rlJjwWsEo-wIr1NayFg.quXywYYbHf8hSdtISQS-esLwrFcARl_RXIs2XuNwIPo&dib_tag=se&keywords=medela+hand+pump&qid=1731387353&sprefix=madel+hand+%2Caps%2C375&sr=8-1 Second time mom here - I used this hand pump with my second to let off some of the milk to make my breasts easier to latch onto. It’s hard for such little nbs to latch onto big ol grapefruits! I felt the hand pump was easier to use and got the milk out super quick! You got this! It will get easier 💕
Keep pumping until it’s relieved. Maybe be 30-40 mins. If baby can latch use the baby bc they suck the best and can bring the milk down faster with force. Good luck ma
Mine were super hard too and I couldn’t understand why. I fed my baby and expressed some.. make sure to feed baby from both sides ( I would suggest start from different side each time). First nights might be difficult 🤍
I would feed from both sides too like once changed swap sides. I also use a milk catcher on the other breast while im feeding on the other and I collect 2-3oz usually. I’m prone to blocked ducts x
@Patrice 30 minutes is the maximum because anything after that can cause issues with breast tissue, that’s not to say when baby is at the breast to them at 30 minutes they’re circling is more natural than a manual or motorised breast pump.
Very late here but a hot shower or hot compresses & hand expression, or like @Lisa suggested that exact manual pump, or or, get your partner to pick up some slack
A hot shower or a hot towel compressed on my breast really helped to soothe the pain in the first few days! Go mama you’re doing great! Promise it gets easier!
@Emma as a mother of 3 who is currently successfully breastfeeding and has dealt with engorgement, my advice stands respectfully. I personally have never had an issue. I breastfed my son for over a year and now my daughter 7 weeks and counting
@Patrice I am also breastfeeding and I’m just passing on what I know to be guidance to ensure breast tissue stays nice and healthy.
Sounds like you’re making milk/colostrum otherwise you wouldn’t be engorged. V normal to not be able to get more than a few ml out at this stage, you should see your milk come in soon and it’ll flow out easier. Sorry to go against the previous advice, but you might want to cool down the areas, not use heat. If the breast is inflamed it puts pressure on the delicate duct tubes and closes them. Take ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. Try not to pump loads in the first few days as your boobs will keep replacing the milk you take out, thinking you’re catering to triplets or something. Engorgement is normal in the first week and it really hurts, but trust it will settle down in a few days to your baby’s demand. Pumping loads in the first couple of weeks to reduce engorgement can create a massive oversupply and recurring mastitis so only pump if you are sure you have an under supply. Baby’s mouth is usually much better at sucking than a pump/ your hand, especially with colostrum
@Emma I think you should just address the OP. My breast tissue is healthy and if it’s engorged she needs to help herself bring it down. Since you’re breastfeeding, maybe give her advice as we all are. I don’t need it.
@Patrice I was just replying to your comment of pump for 30 to 40 minutes. I was just saying that guidance states this is not safe, and pumping for longer than 30 minutes for a sustained period of time can damage breast . The original poster should pump for 30 minutes if she is engorged as well as latching baby, but trying to avoid triggering and oversupply which is just as dangerous. Have a good day
@Emma I think your time is better used by commenting to the poster and not my comment bc it comes off correcting and I don’t need correcting. You may follow the guidance but I have real life experience and have offered my opinion to the OP. If you have opposing info for her, please direct your comments to her. I don’t appreciate you responding to me as if you are an authority. I haven’t had any “danger” nor “unhealthy or bad “ breast tissue, so please direct your attention to where it’s useful. Take care.
Mine were super hard the first few days as my milk came in. It will go away. Keep doing what you’re doing.