Breastfeeding/oversupply issues

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/18/2009


Question
I have oversupply  and overactive let down as diagnosed by a lactation consultant. I tried the block nursing twice. First time, it helped a bit. But situation came back. Second time, it seemed ot make the situation worse! I have already had mastitis and an additionel plugged duct that i was able to get out. I tried cabbage leaves without any relief. I am still getting rather engorged at night and baby is goingno longer than 3 hour stretches from start to start of feeds. I am thinking of trying sudafed - any advice?

thanks
amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda -  Many thanks for your question and for many, nature does take some time to correct the supply level in breast milk production process.  You'll need to do a few things to help trigger your body to know it's time to slow the process and to help with your over lactation.  Two key things are to restrict movement/friction on the breasts.  Do not bind them, but do where a tight yet comfortable bra day and night. And when showering do not have the warm water hit your breasts...movement, warmth and friction from clothes or loose bras can stimulate the production process.  Also, between feedings you can apply cold compresses to your breast for about 20 minutes.  This will help to decrease any inflammation and aid in constricting the membranes that produce milk.  There's a bra on the market that offers both the appropriate pressure and has gel packs that you can chill and place into pockets within the bra...visit http://www.lamabra.com if that's easier for you.  Be consistent with this process so that your production meets the supply and you should be more comfortable soon enough.  All the best and take good care.

Breastfeeding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.