draining breasts

[mimicj]

I was wondering if anyone could help me. I've recently had mastitis due to not draining my breasts properly at each feed. I am having trouble being able to tell when I am completely drained. Any suggestions?:)

[the_queen]

1) Don't take baby off, s/he will come off when finished. Even if bubs goes to sleep, leave them on there.

2) After feeding, express.

3) After expressing, have a hot shower and hand express while in the shower.


I think number 1 is the most important, that would be my advice. I got the beginnings of mastitis when my left nipple was really cracked, I was taking baby off the breast before he'd finished, because I couldn't take the pain of the nipple anymore. But what ended up happening was I wasn't draining the breast, so started getting mastitis.
If this is the case for you, try feeding in different positions. If you have a big red patch, feed with baby's nose pointed towards the redness. This may sound strange, but trust me, it works brilliantly. :yes: :thumbsup:


Good luck mate, I promise this will all pass, things will get much much MUCH easier as time goes on, once your supply settles down. I would say PM me if you want to chat, but PM's aren't working right now :laughing:

[mimicj]

Thank you for that. Just another question. How long should I leave her after she has fallen asleep on the breast. She would sometimes stay there all day If I let her. Also, I seem to have trouble expressing milk when there is not much left. (Baby is 4 months old-I forgot to mention) So I would think that my supply should be settled? The mastitis was only last week. Any Suggestions?:)

[Mischief]

I second everything Queenie says!

Also, I dont know if you *know* when your bub will feed, but you could always express a bit off before she feeds....so that she fully drains your breast.

Dont swap, drain one breast fully at each feed, and then offer the other if needed, if not express from that breast, then offer it first next time!

[priya]

hi queen,

that's a great advice.

Just like Kat said don't swap your boobs too often. I aiways alternate them in between feeds. Good luck.

[Funkychicken]

Ah, the four month mark! I found my supply seemed to be a bit low around this time and my bub was also considered a bit 'slow' in weight gain. I gave myself so much grief over this until I researched it and it turns out to be VERY common for babies of four months to not feed so well, hence supply a bit low etc... If you follow what The Queen and Mischief have suggested you should be right in no time. Also it can take about 6 months to properly establish breastfeeding.
My DS#1 used to feed/sleep at the breast for up to two hours around this age. He did eventually release my nipple, although there were times when I thought he was super-glued on there! :)

[mimicj]

I have definately noticed that she is not gaining as much weight as the first 3 months. So that's normal! Good, I won't stress so much.:smiliedance: