Shortly after birth, once milk production kicks in, you might experience breast engorgement. What can you do to ease it? Below are a few tips that can help provide relief.
What is engorgement?
With engorgement, your breasts feel painful, warm, and tight. This happens because milk production starts up after birth and blood flow increases. Some mothers experience it more than others. Engorgement usually develops three to four days after birth, though sometimes not until a week and a half later. You'll recognise it by tight, stretched skin, redness, or hard, tender areas on the breast.
Tips against engorgement
There are several ways to prevent or ease engorgement, especially in the first days of breastfeeding:
- Breastfeed regularly in the first 48 hours after birth: 8 to 12 times per 24 hours. This helps ease engorgement, as your baby drains the breast well.
- Struggling to feed away the engorgement? Gently express a little milk instead.
- Gently massage your breasts while feeding.
- Make sure your baby has a good latch, so they can feed efficiently.
What's best to avoid
- Feeding fewer than eight times a day - your breasts stay too full, increasing tension.
- Delaying the first feeds.
- Not letting a breast fully empty; this can disrupt milk production. Does your baby want to feed more? Offer the other breast.
- Rushing through feeds - calm and attention actually help reduce engorgement.
Finding relief
Still dealing with engorgement despite your efforts to prevent it? There are other ways to find relief too. Latching your baby on often softens the breast naturally, as the milk gets drawn out.
It also helps to gently massage your breasts under a warm shower, including the harder areas. Prefer cooling over warmth? Try placing frozen cabbage leaves on your breasts, or use a cold compress - there are also compresses you can use either warm or cold.
Engorgement while weaning
When you start reducing breastfeeding, it's important to avoid re-stimulating milk production. So don't fully empty your breasts; always leave a little milk behind. This signals to your body that less milk is needed.
Dealing with significant engorgement while weaning? Cool your breasts with compresses, or gently massage them in the shower. Considering medication for engorgement? Always consult a doctor first - some medications can have side effects, such as nausea.
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