Why have my boobs gone mad??

[Maddy's Mum]

Got a bit of a problem, I was hoping to get some insight into - all of a sudden after over 6 weeks of breastfeeding - I am engorged again! Really engorged! Have just gotten over Mastitis (still on antibiotics) and Josh has just started sleeping a 6 hour stretch at night - which I thought may be the reason - but all I have been doing is expressing enough off the breast that he hasn't fed from, so that it is not uncomfortable, but after three days of doing this, my supply seems to be increasing!

I know I am going to have to start expressing a bit before feeds soon, as is now having problems latching on to my boobs because they are so full  Any ideas why this is happening or how I can calm the supply down a little?

Thanks
Dee
x

[Samuel's mum]

Hmmm. Not sure. I would try and express as little as you can - the absolute minimum. Use hand expression if it will achieve less. Maybe phone a helpline if you're concerned. Any cabbage leaves around?

[daisymelan]

That new six hour stretch could just very well be the culprit. 

Enjoy the sleep, the engorgement should slow down shortly.  And I agree, only express enough to feel comfy and if at all possible, don't express any.