31 weeks - engorged, leaky boobs!! Help!

[LeahLou]

Hey ladies!
I'm not sure what to do!! My boobs are already engorged and super painful. I'm leaking everywhere and it feels like I got breast implants, they're so hard.
I don't think I'm supposed to "express" or squeeze it out, but I had to this morning, they hurt so badly. A warm shower didn't help, cold washcloth hurt... What do I do?!?

 

[justplay91]

I have heard fantastic things about putting cabbage leaves on your boobs to help with engorgement; I would try that if I were you. It also sounds to me like your milk has come in already? Since most of the time milk doesn't come in until a few days after baby is born, I would mention this to your doctor, though I'm sure it's not a big deal.

 

[Amygdala]

Are you going to breastfeed? If you are, then I see nothing wrong with expressing a small amount every now and again, to make you more comfortable. Baby will have to build a supply anyway, so expressing a little now shouldn't matter. Nipple stimulation can support contractions so it's something to avoid if your at risk of preterm labour. But if you aren't, it should be fine, especially as it'll only be a few short minutes a day. You could even hand express into a milk storage bag and freeze it, so you've got a wee stash in case of any trouble in the newborn days?