Engorgement (when not b/f or pumping)

I decided to go ahead and formula feed Olivia. My milk came in around day 3-4. It's been 2-3 days of pure he$$ of my boobs being hard as rocks and very, very uncomfortable. I've kept on a really tight sports bra. It's almost so tight I can barely get it off to shower and then get it back on.

How long does the rock hard, soreness last? I know I can expect to leak or whatever for a good week or two, but how long will my breasts be this uncomfortable?

I pumped for 4 months with the twins and when I "weaned" from pumping, I just dropped one pumping session every other day until I was done pumping. I had very little engorgement and dried up really quick. Nothing like this time.

Any advice?

 

QUOTE(twinzmom2b @ Mar 15 2008, 02:30 PM) [snapback]670536[/snapback]
I decided to go ahead and formula feed Olivia. My milk came in around day 3-4. It's been 2-3 days of pure he$$ of my boobs being hard as rocks and very, very uncomfortable. I've kept on a really tight sports bra. It's almost so tight I can barely get it off to shower and then get it back on.

How long does the rock hard, soreness last? I know I can expect to leak or whatever for a good week or two, but how long will my breasts be this uncomfortable?

I pumped for 4 months with the twins and when I "weaned" from pumping, I just dropped one pumping session every other day until I was done pumping. I had very little engorgement and dried up really quick. Nothing like this time.

Any advice?


I know this sounds crazy,, but,, buy a big cabbage and put a leaf into each bra, u will need to change every couple of hours. The midwife and the hospital suggested this and it really works honestly. Don't leave them in too long they can get smelley hehe

It really really helped me

http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreast...0,,3wxk,00.html

 

QUOTE(j&jtwins @ Mar 15 2008, 06:57 PM) [snapback]670561[/snapback]
I know this sounds crazy,, but,, buy a big cabbage and put a leaf into each bra, u will need to change every couple of hours. The midwife and the hospital suggested this and it really works honestly. Don't leave them in too long they can get smelley hehe

It really really helped me

http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreast...0,,3wxk,00.html


You aren't crazy! I've heard of people doing that before and it helping. Actually, DH is headed out to the store soon, so maybe I'll have him grab me a head of cabbage!

 

Wow I am so glad you posted this... I just weaned my girls and my boobs are huge and sore! LOL I think I am going to go get some cabbage!

 

sounds like u might have a shortage of cabbage in the states for all u engorged mommies hehe

 

I was uncomfortable for a week or so. Glad to hear you know about the bra (my friend recently had a baby and noone told her anything, well except me when I realized how uncomfortable she was), not sure if you know about the warm water/shower but just in case, try not to let the hot/warm water go directly on your chest as the warmth can feel similar to a baby's warmth which will not help you dry up.

I hope the cabbage helps and you are feeling better soon!

 

Cabbage leaves, sudafed and a tight bra. Don't face the water in a hot shower either!

 

mine just dried up on its own after about a week - I had to use nursing pads to soak up the leakage though....

 

I wanted to let you know I tried the cabbage leaves last night.

1. Cabbage leaves in bra all evening
2. Pumped JUST a bit.
3. put on TWO REALLY TIGHT sports bras to sleep in.
4. This AM took a really hot shower.

AND.....

NO more pain what so ever!! I am still really "full" but the pain is absolutely ZERO I am amazed!

ETA: OH and I took 3 advil at about 8Pm... figured it might help with "swelling" hehe and pain.