Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

DD is about 2 weeks old and is EBF. She's doing a great job and my milk has come in full force. In the middle of the night she chokes while feeding. Is this normal?? I'm assuming it bc some time has gone by and my breasts get engorged. Any tips?
Also- she favors the right breast so every morning I have been pumping the left, sometimes the right also. Should I stop pumping? Is this making me produce too much which is why she's choking?
TIA!

Re: Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

Your let down is probably too fast, which is usually from engorgment. I'd hand express before feeding. At just 2wpp, I wouldn't be pumping at all yet. Your body is trying to get a feel for supply/demand production, so if you're pumping, your body is taking that as a sign to keep producing more one more milk. If your breasts get too full, I'd just hand express to relieve the pressure. Your body will adjust quickly.

Re: Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

This is probably due to oversupply because you're pumping. No need to pump this early on. Your body is trying to establish what baby needs. If you can, stop pumping for another 2 weeks. Let your body adjust and then add the extra pumping. If you feel engorged, pump for a few minutes, like 3-5 minutes, just for relief.

Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

My DD favored a side as well and it was recommended to me to switch the first side every single time (so if you BF starting on the left, next time, start on the right) and make sure to have them feed from both sides every time, even if that means you have to help them de-latch and re-latch to your other boob. Generally in the beginning, I would watch the clock and wouldn't let DD go more than 15-20 min per side before forcing her to switch. This helped keep me fairly even.

Re: Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

I agree with holding off on pumping this early, it's not necessary and is causing an oversupply. As far as favoring one side it's normal but frustrating. Switch doses each feeding and if you can't get her to latch try putting her ob the favored side and then switching her over as soon as you get a letdown. Also if possible keep her in similar position like cradle hold on the right and then sliding her into football position on the left as soon as you feel a letdown. Also when she's sleepy and not terribly hungry try the non favored side since she may not be as picky then.

Re: Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

I had similar issues. I only pumped the side he refused when he would not take it at all. I disagree with pp, if the baby won't take it at all then pump so you don't have supply problem on that side. But don't go crazy with the pumping trying to build up a stash. Continue to try with that side either always start there or use favorite side until baby calms down and might be more willing. DS only did this for about 2 weeks. He is ok with both sides now. i hope it's a temp situation for you too!

Re: Breastfeeding mamas I have some Qs

I had similar issues. I went to a lactation consultant and she helped tons. You could call the hospital where you delivered they will help you??

So I was told to nurse on an incline she taught be positioning of the baby etc to help my daughter nurse and be comfortable. It is because you are engorged however if she isn't eating off one side you should pump that side and build up a freezer supply. But I wouldn't pump the side that lo eats off of bc you will get an over supply. If Lo goes to sleep early and eats pump before you go to bed so when Lo wakes your not too engorged and you can cut the pump session short only pump 1-2 oz per boob.
Remember your milk will soon adjust to what baby needs hang in there

Edit to add the lactation specialist told me to pump just cut the session short so you control how much milk you make. And if babe need more your body will produce more when baby drinks. So I wouldn't hold off on pumping now because you could get an infection.

Message edited 6/18/2015 6:24:30 PM.