Engorgement With Breastfeeding

The definition of Breastfeeding engorgement is very firm, hard breasts unable to express any milk due to swelling or congestion.

Prevention is the key to preventing engorgement. Breastfeeding engorgement should not be an expectation.

When your milk "comes in", usually anywhere from 2-5 days, your breasts may feel full, warm and larger than the previous day. This is an excellent sign you can provide milk for your baby. After a few weeks you may notice your breasts don't feel as full but your infant is growing well and you hear many swallows. This is normal!

But back to engorgement. Frequent unrestricted feedings from the very beginning will ensure an excellent milk supply and reduce the risk of engorgement.

Frequent feeding should be every 2-3 hours. Do not give bottles during the night. You might wake up and discover uncomfortably rock hard breasts. If dad would like to participate let him change a diaper, comfort or rock the baby for the first couple of weeks until nursing your baby has become mastered.

Unrestricted feedings means let the infant nurse until your breast is soft. Wake the infant during the feedings if he dozes off after 5-10 minutes and your breasts are still full. Your milk contains properties that will helps relax you and your baby. Take his clothes off before a feeding, place a blanket on top of him and when he dozes off remove the blanket to stimulate him as a gentle reminder to nurse just a bit longer. After breastfeeding on the first breast, burp him (most breastfed babies do not burp alot), change his diaper and try to arouse him some. Then offer the other side for even a few minutes.

But sometimes engorgement just can't be helped. Use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling. Use heat 3-5 minutes before nursing and massage your breasts while you are breastfeeding.

Green raw cabbage has shown to be effective in reducing engorgement. Wrap a clean cabbage leaf to your breast for about 20 minutes. It will not be immediate relief but it is soothing and eventually your breasts will return to normal. A good breast pump may help to relieve some of the congestion and the use of ice, heat and massage. Pump before you attempt to feed your baby, this will soften the areola to allow the infant to latch on correctly, also pump some after a feeding.

DO NOT over pump, if you pump and breastfeed your body may begin to make enough for twins.

If you are having difficulty with the baby emptying your breast because of a poor latch. See Latch and Positioning. Or call your Healthcare provider for guidance.