Overcoming Engorgement: How to Prevent, Manage, and Treat It

Breast engorgement is a common and uncomfortable condition that many new moms experience during their breastfeeding journey. It occurs when there is an overabundance of milk in the breast, causing the breast tissue to become swollen, firm, and painful. While it may be a sign of healthy milk production, it can also lead to challenges with breastfeeding, discomfort, and potential complications. Read on as we explore the causes of engorgement, its symptoms, and how to treat it safely. We will also discuss strategies for reducing milk production if needed and when to seek professional help.

Engorgement And What Causes It

Engorgement happens when there is an increase in blood flow and milk production in the breast, which causes the milk ducts to become blocked. This results in the accumulation of milk, swelling, and pressure on the breast tissue. This usually occurs in the early days of breastfeeding when milk production is still establishing, or when there is a change in breastfeeding patterns. Engorgement can also happen when a baby starts to sleep through the night, or when a mother goes back to work and cannot breastfeed as frequently as before. The condition can be uncomfortable and painful, and if not managed properly, it can lead to other complications such as mastitis. In this blog post, we will discuss in-depth what engorgement is, its causes, and how to safely treat it.

Symptoms Of Engorgement

Engorgement can cause various symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms of engorgement to be on the lookout for include:

1. Swelling and tenderness: The breasts may become hard and painful to the touch, and the skin may appear stretched and shiny.

2. Nipple discomfort: Engorgement can make it difficult for babies to latch properly, leading to sore or cracked nipples.

3. Breast fullness: Engorgement can cause the breasts to feel full, hard, and heavy.

4. Redness: The breasts may appear red or inflamed due to the increased blood flow to the area.

5. Warmth: The breasts may feel warm to the touch due to the increased blood flow.

6. Decreased milk flow: As the breast tissue becomes compressed, milk flow may slow down or even stop completely. Engorgement can also make it difficult for the baby to latch on and breastfeed, which can lead to further discomfort and pain for the mother.

7. Fever and flu-like symptoms: In severe cases of engorgement, women may experience a fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms.

How To Treat Engorgement

The first step to treating engorgement is to empty the breasts regularly. This can be done through breastfeeding, expressing milk with a breast pump, or hand expressing. The more milk is removed from the breast, the faster the engorgement will subside. A breastfeeding mother should try to breastfeed her baby at least every 2 to 3 hours, or whenever the baby shows signs of hunger. You want to be careful not to remove milk more frequently than this, as it may signal to your body to increase the milk supply further. Applying warmth to the breasts before breastfeeding or expressing milk can also help with engorgement. A warm shower or compress can help increase blood flow to the breasts and make it easier to express milk. Applying a cold compress after breastfeeding or pumping can help reduce swelling and inflammation. A bag of frozen peas, a cold gel pack, or even cabbage leaves can be used as a cold compress. However, it’s important to not use this method for more than a few days as it can lead to a decrease in milk production.

Massaging the breasts while breastfeeding or pumping can help remove milk more effectively and relieve engorgement. Using circular motions with the fingertips, starting at the outer edges of the breast and working inward toward the nipple can be helpful. Wear a well-fitting bra that is not too tight or restrictive, as this can worsen engorgement. A supportive nursing bra or a bra without an underwire can provide comfort and support to engorged breasts. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help relieve pain and inflammation associated with engorgement. However, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially while breastfeeding.

Ways To Prevent Engorgement

Engorgement is a painful hindrance to breastfeeding that moms certainly don’t need to be dealing with. Luckily there are several things that moms can do to help reduce the likelihood of engorgement occurring. To prevent engorgement, it is important to establish a consistent feeding routine with your baby. This means feeding your baby at least every two to three hours, to prevent your breasts from becoming too full. If your baby is unable to feed or is not interested, use a breast pump or hand express milk to relieve the pressure. Alternate breasts during feedings or pumping sessions to ensure that both breasts are being fully emptied. You also want to make sure that your baby is properly latched during breastfeeding to ensure effective milk removal. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and bras that can restrict milk flow and cause blockages. Additionally, getting enough rest and staying hydrated can help maintain milk supply and prevent engorgement.

Engorgement can be a painful and uncomfortable condition for breastfeeding mothers. It occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk and can cause symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, and difficulty latching. Treatment options include frequent breastfeeding, expressing milk, and applying heat or cold to the breasts. Take steps to prevent engorgement from occurring in the first place by maintaining a regular breastfeeding schedule, ensuring proper latch, and avoiding tight clothing. If you are experiencing engorgement or have concerns about breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for support and guidance. With the right care and attention, engorgement can be managed and resolved, allowing for a positive breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby.