Engorgement

What is breast engorgement? It is the swelling of the veins/tissue and the sudden presence of milk volume in the breasts.

This quite often causes pain while breastfeeding. Yes, it is the presence of milk BUT this is very important it is also swelling. This swelling is your bodies way of expanding the tissue in preparation for milk storage capacity. Why is this important? Because if you are anything like me, you will assume that emptying the breast will relieve the pain. Yes, it will help but much of the discomfort is from the swelling and that just takes time. Even if you were to nurse or pump 24 hours per day, the swelling would still be present.

Milk usually comes around day 2-5 and lasts for 48-72 hours in most women. Sometimes much less.

#1 Nurse your baby frequently : every 2-3 hours around the clock. If your breasts become overly full, it will cause more discomfort for you.

#2 Use warm or cold compresses: whichever feels better. You can fill up a disposable baby diaper with warm or cold water and it doubles as a nice compress.

#3 Wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day: seems counterproductive but it will help. But absolutely under no circumstances wear an underwire bra. Big no no.

#4 Take pain medications as prescribed by your physician. Usually a non steroidal anti-inflammatory is suggested, like ibuprofen (motrin or advil). I am not a physician so please consult your doctor before taking any medication.

#5 Use cabbage leaf treatment Click here for more information on the use of cabbage leaves for swelling/ pain. #6 use reverse pressure softening technique:

What does NOT help:

Pumping in between feeds. This practice can make it much worse.

Binding the breasts. OUCH. This practice can cause plugged ducts which can then lead to mastitis, a breast infection. Many doctors will still recommend this outdated practice.

Hot showers. Although this can provide some immediate relief, it will cause your milk to let down, which signals your brain to make more milk, which will delay the whole process. Only empty what you need.

Remember this phase lasts 24-48 hours and will not last forever.

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