First of all, I realize how lucky I am to be able to make enough milk for my daughter. I am very aware that many women have quite the opposite "problem" and I should be thanking my lucky stars for my good fortune. However, that is not to say that my oversupply issues, which are very real, do not present an entirely different set of concerns, which include:
- Fighting off multiple occurrences of mastitis
- Major engorgement and swelling
- An almost constant need to pump
- Passing multiple burst capillaries through my breast, which most easily explained is blood that comes out in my breast milk due to damage done inside the breast, as a result of my overproduction.
- Attempting to help my daughter, with severe reflux, learn to manage the flow/forceful let down
- Nipples that sometimes more closely resemble hamburger meat due to my child's smacking and tongue movement which has become her attempt at slowing down the flow of breast milk.
As far as what I did to build my milk supply? Absolutely nothing. I have no idea why I make as much milk as I do... I had to start pumping the first week just to manage my discomfort. Currently, I am doing everything possible to lower my milk supply in an effort to make it more manageable for me and for my daughter.
I think we all do the best we can given our individual circumstances... I am simply sharing mine with you.
17 comments:
see, i am so thankful you post about these kinds of things, because i am clueless on all-things-baby, and this was very eye opening. sorry it sounds like it's causing you some discomfort (and the fact that you're constantly producing sounds rough). i really hope this starts to get better and more manageable for you.
This is probably a dumb question and shows my ignorance about breastfeeding (since I'm not a mom) but can you donate extra breastmilk? Just seems like such a waste to have it go unused or to try and lessen it if it could be used elsewhere.
Wow. I'm so sorry you have to go through that. I can't imagine how difficult it is. Hopefully it gets better for you!
I don't have a child but a coworker of mine just had a baby and I sent her your post. All she could say was, "Holy sh*t!" :)
I hope you get more comfortable soon!
I totally agree. I struggled to get anything and we all try out best! Hoepfully things slow down for ya!
You can totally donate breast milk. Check out organizations like HMBANA.org (human milk banking association of north America) They use the milk for premies and sick babies. There is a strict screening process. Google breast milk donation and you should find a list of different banking locations. Good luck.
I'm glad you explained it because ever since you're last post I have been wondering several things...is that a normal production amount? Is this how much milk I will produce, etc. I'm sorry you and Olivia are struggling with it so much and you're right, it seems like breastfeeding is a challenge and you are highlighting one of the extremes that I don't think is seen very often.
I like reading your posts, even if I don't have kids...yet. :) And it's great to hear about all the different experiences women have; you never know what your own experience will be like, and it's nice to know all the possibilities!
I think about you almost every time I pump. Mostly because it's just a pain and I can't imagine doing it 6+ times a day like you do. I think it's awesome that you are sticking to it despite the issues you've had.
And ditto the thought of donating some of your milk. I'm not sure if that's something you are comfortable with or not, but I wouldn't think you would be able to use everything you've stored, so maybe you could pass it on to someone who needs it?
So thankful for your honesty and proud of you for all your hard work! I'm 5 months in and woke up with a clogged duct - ouch. It's always a new challenge but I'm really proud we can all try to feed our babies this way. You're doing a great job!
Hi there,
I commented last time as anonymous because blogger isn't letting me log in for some reason. Some more things I did to help with my over supply was to stop pumping unless it was too uncomfortable, and then only enough to ease the discomfort. Also, I only fed my daughter while we we lying side by side. I put her on top of a couple of folded towels (at the lactation consultant's suggestion) so she had to pull the milk uphill into her mouth. I would let her suck until the milk started flowing, and then I would express into a hand towel until I stopped spraying, and then would let her nurse. As I said last time, I had to go to only one side per feeding...and I too battled mastitis and plugged ducts. It did eventually work better as she got older. I avoided oatmeal because it promotes milk production somehow, and would occasionally take Sudafed at bedtime to try to help as well (per my doctor's okay). Feel free to email me if you want...at least I can offer sympathy!
Thanks for all your honesty!
I know you're probably sick of advice, but I have to put my two cents in! I had a similar problem, nursing on the one side for a few feedings in a row seemed to help and so did going on the pill, just the regular one. Hang in there, it really does get better! Hope you're getting some rest, pumping and feeding that often are exhausting...
This post made my jaw drop Lisa. I'm so sorry.
If you are trying to cut your supply, definitely stop pumping after nursing. It will hurt like hell for about a week but it will be worth it for sure. I nursed then pumped for the first couple months of my sons life and had this same exact problem.
It's sad you even had to post this because of the comments on your last post. You clearly were not making light of anyone's other issues, and it's sad that anyone has to be so defensive to find anything to take issue with. Really, really sad.
Also, I think your post on being the mom of a newborn is the most accurate description I have ever read. I have four kids and each time it was just as overwhelming, and nothing could have prepared me for it.
And, Olivia is beautiful! :)
Hi, I just came across this randomly - I hope the problem has eaased, I had similar with my first child.
There is advice on the La Leche league website about how to deal with over production - feeding from the same side til the other is bursting is the best start. Pumping will just keep the supply up, you have to send the message that it's not needed. Pumping before a feed helps with the reflux and latch.
Sage tea is v effective at cutting supply, but use carefully, as it can stop it altogether too. Cold cabbage leaves wonderful for helping with engorgement.
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