Here's more information on engorgement........................more
I usually tell moms to pump or hand express as needed to remain comfortable and to ease the latch. It can be really hard to latch with an overly full breast. I find that over a few days or so the need to pump for comfort decreases. If the need to pump does not decrease over time you can then reduce the amount you pump gradually. I find this gradual process is more comfortable in cases of extreme engorgement. Don't "over" pump but pump enough to keep comfy. While it's true the body regulates based on how much milk is being removed from the breast it can be risky letting the breasts remain over full too long. So it is sort of a balancing act of pumping enough to reduce the risk of the problems associated with engorgement without overdoing it so you aggravate the excess milk. I find that many women have excessive engorgement related to the IV fluids that many receive during labor in congunction with their epidurals.
You can also try some cool compresses between feedings and pumpings. The compresses will help reduce the swelling of the tissue surrounding the milk ducts and aveoli. Apply the compresses for 30 minutes, leave them off for 60 minutes then repeat that process as often as necessary until you feel better. The use of the cool compresses should help you feel more comfortable and will probably reduce the need for comfort pumping.
You can also try cool cabbage leaf compresses. Take green cabbage and rinse them in cool water. Store them in the refrig between layers of paper toweling until cool. Break the veins in the leaves and "wear" them in your bra. Change the leaves every 2 hours or when they wilt, whatever comes sooner. There have been some studies done on the cabbage, none are conclusive yet but many moms report that this is effective.
Do not allow hot water to run directly on the breasts in the shower b/c the heat will increase the swelling. Some women find that a brief dunk in warm water just prior to bf can help with the let down but don't soak too long in the warm water or the swelling can increase.
You should also be sure your bra isn't too tight, take it off if it is. Rest on your back so your breasts are elevated above the level of your heart to promote drainage of the excess fluid. You should be resting anyway when engorged
Drink lots of fluids to help flush it but don't over drink.
And most importantly bf very frequently( (if you can get the baby to latch), every 2 hours or sooner if the baby asks.
If these measures don't offer significant improvement in a few days get back to your LC for more help.
You will know your baby is getting enough milk by watching the diapers. He should have at least 3-4 poops that would fill your palm and about 5-6 sopping wets each 24 hours. He should also be getting on the breast for at least 10+ minutes of active suck at least 8 times each 24 hours.
It's perfectly ok that he is taking only one breast. Only pump the other breast if it is uncomfortably full.
I'm concerned that you are having severe pain with latch even though it is brief. It usually means you aren't waiting for the baby to open wide and/or the breast is too engorged. You may need to express some before the feedings to ease the latch.
Here is a description of correct position and latch to help you:
http://boards.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppbreastfeeding77/45/1.html
It's hard to predict exactly when you will feel more comfortable with regard to the engorgement. The worst of it really shouldn't last more than a few days. It sounds to me that you may be leaning toward oversupply. Many women find that they are completely regulated somewhere between 3 weeks and 3 months but you should not be sore or experiencing engorgement that entire time. Those symptoms should last only a few days. If the severe engorgement and latch pain lasts longer you need to get back to the LC.
The dripping from the left breast isn't abnormal but it may also be an indication of your tendency to over produce. It is normal for one breast to produce more than the other, usually its the left breast.
Here's more on nipple soreness:
http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppbreastfeeding708/12/7.html
The shooting pains in the breast may be related to the engorgement and overfullness. If they remain after the fullness subsides, again contact your LC and doctor.
Congratulations on your baby!! Hang in there it does get much better and easier.
Warmly
Kathy
