Hello!

I have been expressing as my son was 5 weeks premmy & struggled to take to the breast so I tried him on the bottle ( I wanted to get him off the feeding tube) & it was successful & have continued it as it has been great for home with my partner helping with feeding. What I’m wondering, is I have tried expressing (using an expensive pump) & now I’m not getting enough for even one feed & my breasts are really hurting – especially when he’s crying for a feed. I have felt some lumps in one side. How can I get the pain to stop or do I just have to wait it out?

Posted by anon, 11/8/13

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  • Have you tried an electric pump? Hot shower first?


  • Have you checked for mastitis?


  • Sounds like mastitis, it would be best to go see your gp and lactation group if you have one. No one every tells you how hard breastfeeding is to start with. I struggled for at least the first 6 weeks until my lactation consultant discovered that she had a tongue and lip tie (no one else picked it up). since we had it cut my supply increased and its been fairly smooth sailing ever since. And remember some women, no after how good the pump never get enough milk output. Your baby is so much more efficient and drawing out your milk. be more guided by bubby’s weight gain and nappy output. It’s mentally and emotionally exhausting but you are doing a fantastic job!


  • Sound like the beginning of mastitis, I would get in contact with the breastfeeding association and have a chat with a consultant (first off though, congratulations, your doing a great job!) you may be able to get him go relatch, otherwise cabbage leaves and gentle massage under a warm shower, keep expressing but stay on top of it, mastitis can be worse that labor!


  • Hope some of the advice below has helped


  • how did you go? :)


  • Did you managed to find a way to stop the pain?


  • Any lump should be checked as it could be mastitis. I had it three times when I was expressing with a pump and it really hurts.


  • Make sure that you correctly attach your nipple with the breast pump so you don’t get pain.


  • What did you end up doing?


  • Some good advice here – hope it has helped.


  • small circular massage motions on your breasts in the shower.


  • For mastitis a warm shower as massage the lumpy area, also cabbage leaves help as well


  • Did you end up seeing your doctor? Hope all went well


  • Definitely sounds like it could be mastitis. Get your doctor to check it out. I hope it gets better for you soon


  • Have u gone to a doc? Could b mastitis?


  • Definitely check with the doctor but try gently massaging out the lumps… If your breasts are full and really sore as others have said it may be mastitis… When my milk first came in it felt like my boobs were going to explode… my midwife suggested filling a couple of nappies with water, freezing them and then applying them to my boobs.. It was instant relief when I did this and seemed to settle my supply down to a manageable level.


  • I think u should go to doc. Could b start of mastitis


  • If I was you I would discuss with the Lactation consultant my son was in NICU and they helped me so much


  • have you been to the doctor yet?


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