Engorgement

[SunnyRain]

How long will it take for my milk supply to realise my tiny newborn can't keep up?

I'm conflicted, do I ease my suffering with hot or cold?

There is just so much milk.

[courts&munchkins]

Ok I tend to be a true jersey cow in the milk dept and my body makes enough for about 10 babies. A few tips. Block feeding. Feed only off one side in blocks say all feeds in a 3hr period off one boob and then switch to the other. That helps your supply settle quicker and helps bub get more of the fatty hind milk. If bub is struggling with flow try to feed uphill so lying as far back as you can ( I used to have to feed flat on my back when it was at its worst) For the hot n cold do both. Cabbage leaves are great to ease engorgement or ice packs (no longer than 20 minutes) They will help with the engorgement. But hot also works because it will get the milk flowing and release some of the engorgement. Hot showers were my best friend. As for how long, for most peopler supply settles between 6-12 weeks. At 4.5 months mine is much better but I still have a few issues with engorgement form time to time.

[onthefly]

Congratulations on your litle one!
It does take a little time - block feedign is a good idea, and express to clear blockages. At this poitn your supply is driven primarily by hormones, so expressing to clear wont' boost your supply overly. Basically, in time the hormones ease off and your boobs will supply according to the amount of milk your baby takes
Give the ABA a call - 1800-686-2-686 - they can offer support and advice too.

[SunnyRain]

OK when you say all feeds in a 3 hr period, do you mean wake up the baby for constant feeding?

[onthefly]

How often is she feeding?
The 3 hours thing is just a rough guide, though most newborns will feed 8-12 times (or many more) in a 24 hour period

[SunnyRain]

She feeds about once every 3 hours.