Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Yes, it is confusing. There is a good LLL page on it- usually starting block feeding for 2 or 3 hours, with a little expression on other breast if needed is a starting point. But what about when the mom still has mastitis or plugged ducts- that has come up for me sometimes, too. I usually guide her through getting rid of the mastitis first, then start block feeding. So while she has mastitis, I tell her not to treat for the oversupply yet, for fear of making the mastitis worse. Of course cold is useful during mastitis, as well as cabbage leaves. So that could be started. I save the herbs for cases that are not controlled by block feeding or other measures. Have also started to talk to moms about gut health. I wonder what others do in the case of moms with oversupply but mastitis, too. Over supply Dear Colleagues,I've spent quite a while reviewing past posts about treatment for oversupply, and it appears that there is no one straight answer. Mom in question has 3 week old baby and feels that one breast in particular is over full - hard etc. She had a fever for a five days and is on abx for mastitis. She is trying pumping a bit to comfort, block feeding etc. Is there any one way to do this? Block feed over 4 hours, and pump the other side just to comfort - or ignore it? Do the switch every five minutes back and forth routine? Take herbs? Pump the fuller one once a day completely? Cold compresses, cabbage leaves. Eek!Baby is gaining well which is great. She initially nursed with nipple shield but now has weaned off it on one breast, but the fuller breast she still needs it.I would sure appreciate your input. I work mostly with newborns, so don't have a lot of hands on experience with this.Betsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 A true oversupply has a few symptoms, one namely being over abundant weight gain for baby (if nursing effectively). I think getting to the root of the problem is best and in her case would be the nipple shield. Some mothers don’t need to pump with a shield, but it sounds as if she may need to if she is having the symptoms she’s having on one side only and it happens to be the shield. If she is engorged on that side, then ice packs on the breasts and breast compression while pumping should do the trick. We had a mom at work that was pumping while pregnant with twins. She delivered early and couldn’t breastfeeding right away. She pumped two ounces post partum and then pumped 10 oz/session within 2 weeks. Now that’s an oversupply. I wasn’t taking care of her for the oversupply, but my colleague recommended a half Sudafed once a day and she went down to 5 oz/session! Wow! What a difference just with Sudafed. I would probably go the sage route myself, but some people are not familiar or able to handle herbs. I think oversupply is different for each person, but identifying what the root of the problem is key. Breast management first (eliminating un-needed pumping for example) Block nursing is what I usually start with , sage being very very last.June , RN, IBCLCwww.cherishthebaby.comDear Colleagues,I've spent quite a while reviewing past posts about treatment for oversupply, and it appears that there is no one straight answer. Mom in question has 3 week old baby and feels that one breast in particular is over full - hard etc. She had a fever for a five days and is on abx for mastitis. She is trying pumping a bit to comfort, block feeding etc. Is there any one way to do this? Block feed over 4 hours, and pump the other side just to comfort - or ignore it? Do the switch every five minutes back and forth routine? Take herbs? Pump the fuller one once a day completely? Cold compresses, cabbage leaves. Eek!Baby is gaining well which is great. She initially nursed with nipple shield but now has weaned off it on one breast, but the fuller breast she still needs it.I would sure appreciate your input. I work mostly with newborns, so don't have a lot of hands on experience with this.Betsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 If baby feeds less efficiently on one breast, I always refer for bodywork. Tow, IBCLC, France > > Dear Colleagues, > > I've spent quite a while reviewing past posts about treatment for oversupply, and it appears that there is no one straight answer. Mom in question has 3 week old baby and feels that one breast in particular is over full - hard etc. She had a fever for a five days and is on abx for mastitis. She is trying pumping a bit to comfort, block feeding etc. Is there any one way to do this? Block feed over 4 hours, and pump the other side just to comfort - or ignore it? Do the switch every five minutes back and forth routine? Take herbs? Pump the fuller one once a day completely? Cold compresses, cabbage leaves. Eek! > > Baby is gaining well which is great. She initially nursed with nipple shield but now has weaned off it on one breast, but the fuller breast she still needs it. > > I would sure appreciate your input. I work mostly with newborns, so don't have a lot of hands on experience with this. > > Betsy > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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