Expert: Sue Ennis - 9/7/2007

Question
I turned 21 in July and we are expecting our second (a girl) child this month.  Our son is 17 months old.  I was 19 when he was born (engaged and 3 years into a monogomous relationship).  My fiance supports breastfeeding (so long as it works for me and the baby), and my decision either way.  I was determined to breastfeed my first from the time we found out we were expecting.  My milk did not come in, according to the three separate lactation consultants I had helping me.  At each feeding our son (who had a good latch and no problems with nipple confusion) was offered the breast before being given the bottle.  After two weeks there was nothing- the colostrum that he'd been getting was long gone and I began to hate feeding him.  This time I would like to do something similar, in order to give my daughter the benefits of the colostrum at least, but I have no desire to offer the breast for more than a week or two.

How can I avoid engorgement, or at least have it be bearable?

I've heard that nursing at each feeding just until the discomfort is alleviated can help.  Is this true?

Can you suggest any products that may help?

Could the problems I had the first time have been related to my age?  (one lactation consultant suggested this)

Any answers and information you can offer would be a huge help!  Thanks for your time, and I'm very sorry for the length of this question.

Answer
Hello Katelyn and pleased to help advise.  Thanks for the background and I really commend you on trying to make breastfeeing it work with your first.  But, it is not always possible for every woman, so don't feel guilt in anyway.  It is a choice and good to hear you have such a supportive finance!  Given the benefits, it's wonderful that you will nurse your colostrum to your daughter, and just maybe your supply will give you the option to continue further.  

And now to answer your questions, and no need to apologize for the length of your request...nice to see good questions and I'm sure that this posting will help so many others, so I thank you as well.

1. To avoid engorgement and gain comfort - Typically most women encounter engorgement as one point or another whether they don't breastfeed at all, are nursing are are ready to wean. Key things to do are to ensure that there is little friction  on the breasts as that will stimulate the production.  So wearing a tight bra or sports bra can help with that...do not make it too tight as that may lead to clogged ducts. So firm to restrict movement, yet comfortable is a good gauge.  The application of cold paks to breasts will also help as that will aid in constricting the milk producing membranes...so, no warm shower water on breasts too.  The LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com is a bra that already covers both rhe appropriate pressure and has form fitting cold packs that fit into the cup pockets...so you can wear anywhere too, which is helpful.

2. Nursing at each feeding to alleviate discomfort is fine IF you wish to continue breastfeeding.  IF you choose to stop, this is not an ideal route.  Your body will continue to produce milk based typically on the amount that is expressed to replace the supply.  You mentioned not have a supply come through, but still you want to remember, that yes, releasing milk will help with engorgement, but will not help to cease the production.

3. Products to help engorgement? As mentioned in #1, I recommend the LaMa Bra - details at http://www.lamabra.com which is designed for engorgement relief and also a bra that you can wear after...so you get your dollars worth out of this maternity product.

4. Could a young age be tied to your lack of milk supply? - well, my thoughts are that no one can determine that would be a sole cause and every woman's body differs greatly on so many factors tied to breast milk production..so have to just say...who knows :)  But I highly doubt that would be a justified sole reason.

Again, pleased to offer information and do hope that this is helpful.  Good luck and congratulations!