cool compresses for oversupply

[Carebibighaus]

My son is eight weeks old, and we definately struggle with overactive letdown/oversupply. He gulps, chokes, cries...etc. while attempting to nurse. I've been trying all the suggestions I've read and heard about. He eats every 2-3 hours at this point. I tried feeding from only one breast for a few weeks with no relief, so now I do two feedings from one breast, and that seems to be helping a bit....but not all that much, he definately still chokes the first feed on the breast. I try all the different positions like lying down, foot ball hold...etc. but nothing is working.
So now for the question :) Just today i started trying the cool compresses for 30 minutes at a time. It really seems to help, but I'm a little confused. When it is recommended to have them on for 30 minutes and off for an hour, is that all between feedings? I've been doing it 30 minutes before he eats and then leaving it off for an hour after...is that going to result in plugged ducts? Should I be starting an hour and a half before he eats? Does that make sense? I read on the package that you shouldn't put on cool compresses right before because it can result in plugged ducts...but it really seems to slow the flow for him.
Sorry if this is confusing...I'm exhausted! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[Carebibighaus]

One more thing...how do I know if I'm diminishing the supply too much?

[ima062002]

Have you seen this position? http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html#help - it's making your milk work its way *up* so you have gravity help you with the problem.

Have you read through this link - http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html. I've never heard about cold compresses other than for engorgement. So I am not sure what to tell you.

For the choking of the first feed I'd do this: wait until let-down occurs, then take baby off the breast while at the same time catching the milk in a towel or cloth diaper. Once the flow slows, you can put your baby back to the breast.

You should monitor his diaper output. As long as he gets plenty of wet diapers (as in 6 or more) you know he is getting enough. Also watch his behavior. If he suddenly gets fussy, wants to nurse a lot more often etc. you are either dealing with a growth spurt or you overcorrected the problem. Either way, his behavior (i.e. wanting to eat more often) will tell your body to pick up production again :).

The icing itself won't produce plugged ducts unless there is pressure on the breast. Do what works and if you want to you could add Lecithin to your diet for now. It's a supplement that helps preventing plugged ducts. It might be a good idea to do for the time being until the two of you have found the right balance. You can find it in the vitamin area in some super markets or a health food store.

[Carebibighaus]

Thank you for the reply. I have read the Kelly website...I've tried all of the positions and nothing seems to be working...that's why I'm so frustrated. I think I've tried everything that has been suggested on that website and others as well :( I'm currently feeding him for two feedings on one breast which seems to be helping somewhat, but the problem is definately not completely gone. It's hard too cause sometimes he'll only nurse for 4 minutes and then other times 10 minutes then still others 20 minutes. Sometimes he does ok. other times he chokes, coughs, cries...etc. No matter how long he has nursed he still usually goes at least two hours before nursing again. I'm so confused, and fear that with all that I've been trying, I must be messing up my supply even more.
I'm going to continue "block nursing" for awhile...if the problem does work itself out, how long to I block nurse for? Do I do this the entire time I'm nursing? And how will I know when I don't have too anymore?
Also...(I know...sorry this is so long) same for pumping. I've been told not to pump cause it just causes me to make more milk. Will this always be the case? I'd like to be able to pump once in awhile so every now and then he can take a bottle if my husband and I get a chance to go out for an evening.
I just hope and pray he outgrows this cause I just feel ssoooo bad for him! I feel horrible, like I'm hurting him and I just don't know what to do anymore.