Silly question re schoolboy error!

[mumofalice]

I *think* that I have made a schoolboy error today when BF DS. - I'm single side feeding and may have fed from the same breast twice in a row - because I have one massively engorged boob and one that's fairly soft. I fed from the (ridiculously sensitive and swollen) engorged one at the last feed but it's still super-sensitive and feels quite uncomfortable.

So . . . my silly question is do I feed from the engorged one again to 'even it up' so to speak? Or do I just alternate like I would have done?

I can't believe that I managed to feed my DD for over a year without managing to do this - and here I am 3 wks in making this mistake . . . I would blame it on baby brain, but I think in all honesty I was so excited about my friend visiting today (who brought me lunch and a stack of home-made brownies  ) that I got a bit distracted. I have the Bad Mummy Guilt now 

[LouiseV]

I would feed enough to be comfortable then switch back :-)

maybe check theres no tenderness like an infection too?

Ugh - I know what you mean about the unevenness - some days I thought I had better pad my bra as I looked so silly!

[mumofalice]

Thanks for response - I was beginning to worry that nobody would see this and DS would wake for a night feed without me having a clue what to do  I *should* know better but it's 1am and I'm a tad sleep deprived and everything is a bit foggy iykwim? 

Just had visions of 'releasing the pressure' on one melon only to wake up with a melon on the other side in the morning!

[LouiseV]

I'd feed until it feels okay (just a couple of mins maybe?) then switch back

OR just do the one thats sore and then the other the next feed, and honestly your body will figure it all out and regulate things pretty quickly. If your breasts are slightly larger and fuller for a couple of days it won't last :-)

I always used to forget which side I was up to!! Haha - I still do!! I just go by whichever feels bigger, or which ever he goes for - not the most scientific method!!!

[Erin M]

If one feels more sore than the other, just feed on that one first.  Your body will help you figure it out until you get back on "schedule" with switching.  If it really hurts, pump off just a tiny bit to relieve the pressure.  At 3 weeks, your body is still really working out the supply and demand so just focus on not getting plugged ducts and don't worry about it otherwise. 

[mumofalice]

Thanks for you help and support ladies 

I did a full feed off the engorged side as a couple of mins didn't seem to help - was worried that I might have a blocked duct as it was so tender. However, it feels better today (still a bit tender so will keep an eye on it) and as I've now fed from both sides I'm looking and feeling a bit more even! 

[Fiver]

Good news!   I always kept a hairband around the wrist that I was next due to feed from and then switched it over to the other arm after feeding, but frequently forgot

[Shiv52]

Hugs! 

I did something similar when DD2 was 1 week old.  I actually fed her and then feel asleep snuggling her but she was on my boob and it dripped milk the whole time we slept!  DUH!  Talk about oversupply and i did end up with mastitis so just watch things although it seems to be settling down xx

[Erin M]

I've found that even after I massage a lump out of my boob, it's still tender for a day or two.  Warm compresses really help.

[atlantamomofthree]

Aww, don't feel bad! I have done the same thing probably 3 or 4 times since Sam's birth!  My dd is almost 12 and she laughs and says "Mom, inappropriate!" when she sees me feeling my breasts trying to figure out which one's fuller! 

I always kept a hairband around the wrist that I was next due to feed from and then switched it over to the other arm after feeding, but frequently forgot

LOL! Isn't that always the way?!

I actually fed her and then feel asleep snuggling her but she was on my boob and it dripped milk the whole time we slept!  DUH!

Haha, aww that must have been fun to wake up to!

[mumofalice]

Well, it looks like I managed to get away with my schoolboy error this time! Thanks for sharing all your stories - makes me feel better that it isn't just me that has done this!

I too am doing the hairband round the wrist - but it doesn't work if you forget to move it after every feed LOL!

[Fiver]

Too true!  The swift squeeze often does the job, though

[babymunkey]

Hey Hun! Glad it turned out OK - I used to do this ALL the time with H so don't beatbyoursel up!!

I am utterly hopeless at remembering!! My best tip is all you have to remember is wich side you start on in the am, then you can work it out from there.... Hair bands never worked for me either.