At night she sleeps five to seven hours at a stretch. This pattern causes a lot of engorgement an tenderness in my breasts. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader.
Unresolved engorgement can lead to a diminished milk supply.
Your breasts get the message that they are making too much milk, so they slow down production. Engorgement can also lead to plugged ducts and mastitis. When your baby sleeps through the night in the early weeks, you breasts lack the constant stimulation which is helpful in establishing your milk supply. If your breasts are very full in between feeds or in the middle of the night, I would suggest offering your breast to your daughter. This is so much more effective, much easier, and so much nicer than pumping.