https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:40:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555690 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:07:01 +0000 jedeve 555690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was having this issue on one side recently. Ultimately I just started using the shield since he needed it on the other side anyway. Walmart has them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555682 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:02:40 +0000 hilsy85 555682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: it will get better! Engorgement lasted about 3-4 days of consistent engorgement and then 5 weeks or so of being engorged between feedings for me, and then my boobs were softer and things were much better/more comfortable. You are in the roughest part right now, but it really will get better. Have you tried cabbage leaves? They're supposed to be wonderful for engorgement--put them on your breast inside your bra. </p> <p>Also, re: pumping--I would just be careful not to empty your breast, as that will signal you to make more milk and will delay your milk supply regulating/could cause an oversupply. But a pump is great to empty out a small amount so your LO can latch, or to relieve discomfort. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555543 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:14:18 +0000 MamaCate 555543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: yikes! this sounds really frustrating! we had trouble with latch at the beginning and i had nipple shells (not shields!) that i wore between feedings. I got them from the hospital LC and they helped treat flat nipples and help them stick out a little more. It seemed to help us. Pumping might help too. Try to take care of yourself in the midst of all the stress too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555509 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:04:29 +0000 rachiecakes 555509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: I felt this way too :( I feel like I did the C hold - boob sandwich for a long time. DS's mouth was so tiny, as he got bigger I didn't have to do it any more. And I wasn't so engorged.<br /> Do you have an electric pump? I would definitely suggest renting or buying one, to relieve engorgement and empty your breasts. It'll feel so good and at least if you're having latch issues you can work on them and still give a bottle so baby isn't crying/you don't get so stressed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555497 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:00:46 +0000 ladyfingers 555497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: Honestly? Simply trying long enough. Last time I nursed, almost two hours ago, I said to myself, "If he doesn't latch right this second, I'm making him a bottle of formula and giving up on breastfeeding." This was after a 20-minute fight at my boob. I dread every feeding session. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555475 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:52:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 555475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't have much advice though because you seem to be trying a lot of what I would suggest. </p> <p>When you finally get him t latch what works?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555474 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:52:22 +0000 Bao 555474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have too many issues with her latching when I was engorged but I think overall it lasted maybe a few weeks and then I started to regulate so it wasn't such an issue. I wish I had more advice, but hopefully some of the other bees can help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/engorgement-and-latching-issues#post-555429 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:41:51 +0000 ladyfingers 555429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>OK more bf'ing questions.</p> <p>How engorged did you get when your milk came in? How long did it last and how did you "treat" it?</p> <p>Engorgement has been causing us a lot of issues. I have small (not flat, but not particularly long or large) nipples and large breasts that have almost doubled in size since my milk came in 2 days ago. The small nipple/large breast combo has made latching challenging but doable -- we were having success with the c-hold/breast sandwich technique. </p> <p>But since my milk came in, it can take us up to an hour to get him to latch. In that time, it's a nightmare of him wailing, thrashing, simultaneously grabbing at and pushing away the breast, trying to latch, latching and sucking and coming off crying... it's exhausting. This is even after I have tried:</p> <p>Cold compresses<br /> Expressing milk with a manual pump<br /> The reverse counterpressure technique from kellymom</p> <p>Having to do all these things to relieve engorgement has also proved tricky when it comes to timing. If I plan the feedings for every 2 hours and can get him woken every 2 hours, I can successfully "prep" for the feeding ahead of time, but if he wakes up early and is hungry, or if it takes longer than usual to wake him, then that goes out the window because he will become too crazed in the time it takes me to ice and pump.</p> <p>So. I know this is a pretty specific situation, but I'd love to hear your experiences with the engorgement period. I also ordered some nipple shields that should be arriving yesterday and am going to call the LC again (talked to them on the phone and they gave me the ice/pump tip but I need more in-person help now) tomorrow morning, but let's hear your thoughts. </p>