I've over Done It with My Breastpumping. Help!

I had the same problem with my second (after not having enough milk with my first). So, I had to only pump a very little bit just when I absolutely couldn't handle the engorgement anymore. I also made sage tea and drank that. I recommend reading about oversupply on the la leche league website. Good luck!

You're right, you don't want to pump each breast completely because your body will continue to make more milk. To help with the engorgement, only pump for like a minute or two just to relieve the pressure, but don't completely empty the breast. That way, you will be more comfortable, but your body will begin to recognize that you are not feeding that frequently. BTW, the cold cabbage leaves really helped me when I became engorged. It won't take long for your body to get in a more manageable rhythm.

Since she's only three weeks old, it will take more time for your breasts to adjust. Yes, I would just let her nurse for a couple of months. Giving her a bottle at this young age could steer her into the direction of only preferring the bottle and it will actually be harder for you to pump and then you'll have to go to formula.

You got it - breasts work on supply and demand. Simply decrease the pumping and just nurse her at the boobie!

:) Great job nursing her! Keep it up!

Hi! I would say number 1 try to relax,stop using the Breast Pump for a good while until all is comfortable again!! Nurse your baby as you usually would, have lots of warm, relaxing baths express a little of the milk into the bath to ease the discomfort, it will return to soft and normal in time.
Bless you. XX

It sounds like you have plenty of milk stored so I would suggest no pumping for at least a month. I learned that it takes your body about 6-8 weeks to regulate the amount of milk your baby is demanding. So pumping during the first few weeks confuses your body and causes over production. Like many others have suggested, if you are up to the responsibility, check into donation!! Keep up the good work!!!!

Donate. Donate. Donate!! Please do not try to cut it off yet! If you are freezing it and have plenty for your baby and are still overflowing, please donate it!

Go to this link below and look into it. Not many people are fortunate enough to have this problem! I wish I had!

Best of luck - please, please check this out!

http://www.breastmilkproject.org/

I nursed and pumped for my other 4 girls, but with my last daughter, I pumped exclusively. My advice to you is: Get a better pump. Get one with both speed and strength controls. You may be pumping lazily (with all due respect) and it confuses your breasts. It's kind of like when the baby nurses just enough to fall asleep. Pumps nowadays are equipped to empty your breasts. You may have to spend at least $150, but don't think you have to go out and get the most expensive one. Also, don't watch the clock. Pump until you're empty, both breasts at the same time, and while relaxing. You'll have to do this a few times, but then you should be able to switch back and forth or at least nurse comfortably. Good luck! Remember: You're doing the best thing for your baby, and your body knows how to do this.

As suggested, back off the pumping for a bit (maybe once a day or so) and keep nursing on demand. And if you are both in good health and you are so inclined, definitely look into donating--it is almost no cost to you, just some medical screening (milk banks will send you the containers, the forms, and any medical kit you need) and you can share your lifesaving milk with high-risk babies! :) It is a very easy process to get started.

You've already gotten some great advice. I would wait a little bit on the cabbage and sage leaves this early into nursing since they inhibit milk supply. Also, some women just produce more milk than they need. Donating is a wonderful option if you feel up to taking on another little bit of responsibility. If not, wait a couple weeks. Don't spend too much energy on trying to get it "just right". :-)