Colostrum or Regular Breastmilk?

Question

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Hi there ladies! I’m turning here for some answers since I have absolutely no experience with breastfeeding. Please no judgment! I just need help. 😊
I chose to formula feed my son from the get go for personal reasons. I am a week postpartum and my breasts are leaking tremendously. They are extremely hot to the touch and red in appearance. I’m scared of getting mastitis. I bought a hand pump for $20 from Walmart for relief and some pads to soak up leakage. Yes, I know if I pump, I chance my body making more milk. The pain was getting unbearable! I never expected so much milk honestly. This picture was taken after about 3 minutes of pumping between both breasts (I’m not sure what a normal amount is). 
My question is-Is what I just pumped still colostrum or is it breastmilk? I’m a week PP, but I didn’t really start to have bad leakage till yesterday (just terrible engorgement since 4 days PP). I’m hoping this is colostrum because I’m considering supplementing breastmilk into my son’s diet & it would be nice if received colostrum and then milk, but I won’t fuss. I will put it into the Dr. Browns bottles he’s already used to. Just for a little bit! I think he could benefit from any vitamins and antibodies I’m still producing for him. 
Thanks in advance for any advice and comments!

Answer

That looks like transitional milk to me. It’s definitely still beneficial if you choose to use it

Answer

It’s the beginning of your milk. So I’m less than 6 weeks away from baby #2 & planning on formula feeding from the beginning this time too. I did breastfeed & pump for several weeks with my son (who also had a severe milk protein allergy, & it was the source of so much anxiety and stress for my family that I don’t want to do it this time. I will say that stoping pumping was hard because I was producing about 24oz per day by the time that I stopped, and how to do this without getting an infection is definitely on my radar. After speaking with my OB, reading about it, and thinking from past experience, I know that I’ll have to express some in order to avoid this. I would either take a warm shower or use a warm compress on your breasts to loosen any clogged ducts, and then pump or hand express enough to not feel so uncomfortable. Your body will produce some milk, regardless of your plan to not breastfeed, so having your milk come in can’t be avoided. Use it, but try to limit how often you’re pumping to not confuse your body to up your supply. I’ve heard that Sudafed or other decongestants help dry you up. I couldn’t stop until I went on birth control, but I was past the stage of that being dangerous postpartum & I doubt you want or need to wait that long. Good luck & congrats on your baby!!

Answer

First baby and I felt pressured to formula feed. Second I tried BF but we didn’t know she had pyloric stenosis, so that was a terrible experience. 
Regardless, I wore a super tight sports bra after delivery with the first 24hrs/day. And I made sure not even the shower stimulated anything. 
When I decided to quit trying the second time, I did the same thing. 
Probably not what you’re looking for, but if you’re stopping then this is what worked for me! 
Good luck!!

Answer

That's milk! And even one bottle a day of breastmilk is beneficial :) especially with flu season coming around! 
If your breasts are hot and red I would be concerned about mastitis developing. Have you had any cold like symptoms?

Answer

I’d speak to your doctor or midwife if your breasts are still hot to the touch. If it’s mastitis you will likely need antibiotics. Better to get it checked out. 
Also there are lactation consultants who can give you advice on how to dry up your milk if breastfeeding or pumping is not for you. Like all people, some may be judgemental and some may try to press nursing but the good ones will understand that it’s your body and your choice. I hope you get the pain and discomfort to subside soon!
Oo and congrats on the birth of your son!!

Answer

Sounds like your milk came in so it’s breastmilk. I nurse but also pump and bottle feed it to my son, he’s had such a large appetite from the start and he’s only 3 weeks old  that he will empty both my breast and still be hungry so I supplement with a little formula to top him off.

Answer

My mom formula fed from the beginning with my sisters and she would put cabbage leaves on her boobs until the milk dried up. Maybe try that?

Answer

I don’t understand why women who are able to Breast fed don’t? Why wouldn’t you want the best for your baby?? Anyways it’s definitely breast milk.

Colostrum or Regular Breastmilk?

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