Post birth engorgement question

[briee]

I just posted on another thread how to wean a toddler that doesn't want to give it up, BUT I need your help for this one. I won't go into it all, but I have suffered through the last two children with constant breast infections which occur like twice a week on a good week. I get a high fever etc.... I produce loads of milk which exacerbates the problem. So this time, we (a dear physician's assistant who helped me wean the last baby and dry up my milk which took an eternity) are trying a new approach. I'm not going to nurse this baby (maybe just the first few hours). This has really stressed me out making this decision, but my nursing problems are very severe and we have tried everything. So I would like your feed back from anyone who has had a baby and bottle fed. How has your engorgement period been and what have you done to deal with it. Did you pump at all, or wrap your chest. I know it's going to be hard for me because when my milk comes in it floods in. I used to pump 17 ounces every 4-6 hours on top of what baby ate, just to remain comfortable. If I didn't get the milk out I'd get an infection immediately.

I just wondered how you all deal with the engorgement period and has it been "really tough" for anyone out there and what did you do to help. I emailed Marci about this and she gave me some helpful ideas (before baby was born), but I wondered how you all deal with this? Thanks a bunch.

Briee

 

[autumn]

Hi Briee! Engorgement should occur 2 - 3 days post-partum, and the breasts should dry up in 2 to 7 days. Discomfort should resolve within 24-36 hours. As you know, the breasts will become swollen, firm, tender, and warm to touch. The breast tissue under the arms may also be involved.

Well, I am going to give the standard breast care measures.
Wear a tight fitting bra (sports bras are great) or you may opt for a breast binder... you should wear this even at night. You should begin wearing the bra ASAP post-partum.

Avoid any stimulation of the breasts ;-). Most experts advise women not to massage or express milk, as this stimluates milk production (this varies from advice when weaning).

When you shower, stand with your back to the water. The warm water running over your shoulders is ok.

Cold packs to the breasts per provider advice (some say begin ASAP after birth for 20 minutes on 20 minutes off... other say 5-6 times per day for 15 minutes at a time... etc). When you get home, frozen peas may be better because they conform to the breasts.

You may also place cabbage leaves in your bra every three hours for comfort, and it is believed (by some experts) to dry up the milk. Some of the moms post-partum swore by the leaves. (Disclaimer the medical research has not found cabbage leaves to be more beneficial than other measures).

Also, mild pain relievers (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) as instructed by your provider.

Lots of luck! I am so jealous you will be holding your baby soon! Take care!

Autumn

 

[briee]

Thank you so very much Autumn....are you a labor and delivery nurse???

Briee

 

[cmoroney]

Briee,

Autum has given you excellent advise - when my milk comes in I always have worn two very tight bras until the engorgement is over, that includes in the shower - once I would shower I would just put two more tight bras on, immediately - because your breasts will get stimulated under the shower spray and believe me that is uncomfortable.

I wouldn't advise laying on your back either - that just makes them become harder and really uncomfortable - do not try to suppress any milk - within two days everything should be over - but it can be extremely painful!

Let us know when you have your baby!

Cheryl

 

[briee]

Cheryl, thanks so much.

Two things...when you advised not laying on my back, did you mean not laying on my stomach, so I'm smashing my chest? I'm trying to think of how I can lay which would help. Also, what do you mean by not trying to suppress any milk. I will be attempting to dry up, so I won't be wanting to express any milk, although I can't imagine if I get too hard, not getting it out. Thanks so much for your input.

I'm just curious here....how do you nurse your babies if you bind your chest through the engorgement, do you just unwrap during nursing and then wrap right back up again? I never did any tight bras or breast binding when I was nursing the first 5, so this is a new experience to me....sorry if I sound so novice!!!

Briee

 

[autumn]

You are welcome! Once upon a time I was an OB nurse. I loved every minute of it and miss it. I do get an OB fix every spring for 6 weeks when I take nursing students to the hospital for clinical.

Autumn

 

[autumn]

No apologies for your question! Usually (well, it has been my experience), breast binders are only recommended for nonbreastfeeding women (for engorgement) and when women wean. A breast binder suppresses milk production, so a tight, well fitting bra would be a better choice for the breastfeeding woman experiencing engorement. As for the breast binder during weaning, yes, it would be removed for nursing.

Autumn