Best way to deal with engorgement/not BF-ing?

[HappiestMom]

I had the boys last Tuesday morning, I BF-d through Saturday, I had full intentions of BF-ing as long as I could but I started getting anxiety feelings when doing so, especially at night and realized I cant risk the PPD again this time around (had it horrid with LO and was put on zoloft and xanax and dont want that again this time and I know that BF-ing last time was also a trigger like I was starting to feel again this time around) so my milk JUST came in Friday night and I just want to know the best way to deal with this engorgement without being in too much pain and also without getting too much out and encouraging more production..anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of just enough to not get mastitis?

 

[seaweed eater]

Sorry to hear about your anxiety

Personally I would express a little, but only as much as you have to in order to ease the engorgement, and other than that try other methods, like cabbage leaves or alternating hot and cold compresses (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763679/). You may need to express whereas a mother who had never BF wouldn't because you've already stimulated your milk production.