Once you get pregnant, your body starts to adapt to new changes and prepare for the next big step that is breastfeeding. Initially, our body makes colostrum, a yellow-gold colored thick watery solution full of nutrients for the newborn. Your body starts making milk after 2-5 days of giving birth. The firmness, swelling, and painful breasts is called breast engorgement. It commonly happens during the initial days of breastfeeding. If you have engorged breasts, you are not alone. According to research, there is a 65%-75% prevalence of breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Read along to know all about breastfeeding with engorged breasts, its symptoms, and some easy treatments.
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Causes of breast engorgement
There are several reasons why you can feel your breast being tight, firm, and swollen. It is better to know about the cause to have a proper treatment.
Initial days of breastfeeding
As I have mentioned earlier, it can happen during the initial days of nursing. Breastfeeding with engorged breasts is extremely painful but, it will settle down once your child starts feeding regularly.
You can try different positions and find the most comfortable one for you. Similarly, always make sure your little one is completely latching because a poor latch can cause cracked nipples which is another uncomfortable and excruciating thing.
Poor appetite
If your child has recently started eating solid food or if he has been sick lately, you can expect to have engorged breasts. Your body is constantly producing milk and, if your child isn’t feeding consistently, you will have swollen breasts.
Not following a proper routine
Your body is wise. It adapts to the routine and likes to follow a set timetable. If you have a specific time for feeding and pumping, it is good to follow it under all circumstances.
Your body will make milk according to your routine. If you stop following your schedule, your breast will start getting engorged.
When you start weaning
If you plan to wean your child, it is good to take it slow. Gradually reduce the feeds of your baby so that your body can slowly adapt to the change.
If you plan to go cold turkey and suddenly stop feeding your child, you will likely have engorged breasts.
Sadly, there is no medicine for drying up your milk so, you have to let it dry naturally.
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Symptoms of breast engorgement
Breastfeeding with engorged breasts can become very difficult and painful. Always be on the lookout for the following symptoms to timely treat them.
- The most common sign of breast engorgement is to have firm and swollen breasts. You will also feel pain while breastfeeding your child.
- The dark area around your nipple (areola) will become flat and soft. It is due to the swelling of the breast and, it makes breastfeeding difficult for the child.
- If you have a fever around 100.4 f, it is a clear sign of engorged breasts.
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Treatment of breast engorgement
You can treat breast engorgement at home with the following remedies.
Use a warm compress
It is a good idea to use a warm compress on your breast 10-15 minutes before breastfeeding. It will soften your tight breast and makes latching easy for the child. You can place a thin piece of cloth between your breast and the warm compress to protect your skin.
Press with hands or pump a little milk
Pressing your breast before nursing is a good idea. You can also use a breast pump to take out a small amount of milk as it regulates your milk supply and helps in softening your breast. Make a routine of pumping a small amount right before breastfeeding for an easy flow.
Pump as much as you can
If you notice for any reason your child has lowered his frequency of feedings, it is good to pump your milk as much as you can. You will feel breastfeeding with engorged breast gets easy if you pump and empty your breast.
You can store the breast milk and later use it accordingly.
Empty your breast
It is a vital tip to remember. You have to empty your breast while pumping or nursing. If you notice, your child’s feeding speed has decreased or if he has stopped swallowing switch, to the other breast.
Make sure your child latches on both of your breasts to have a balanced flow of milk.
Take Pain Killer
Although ibuprofen is safe during breastfeeding still, it is always good to consult your doctor. If the pain gets too unbearable, you can ask your doctor for medication.
Cold compress after nursing
If you feel your breasts are stiff and swollen even after nursing your child, you can always use a cold compress. Massage your breast with a cold compress or place frozen cabbage leaves in your bra for instant relief.
Wear a good nursing bra
You must opt for the best nursing bra that is comfortable and supportive. Always make sure to choose the size of the brassier according to your breast because a tight and ill-fitted bra can cause mastitis.
Use different feeding positions
If your child is having problems latching on, try different feeding positions. You will notice some ways of breastfeeding are easy for the child and convenient for you as well. Choose the appropriate one that suits you and the baby for a comfortable nursing experience.
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How to avoid breast engorgement?
Once you join the breastfeeding bandwagon, you might suffer from breast engorgement at some point. It is good to take some precautions to avoid this painful experience.
- Make sure you empty your breast properly while nursing and pumping.
- If you notice your child has a poor latch, carefully adjust his feeding position to latch on properly.
- If your child isn’t drinking that much milk, make sure to pump regularly.
- Massage your breast and soften them before feeding the child. It helps in softening them and opening the blocked milk ducts.
- Carefully observe the hunger cues of your baby and feed him accordingly.
- Try to nurse from both breasts.
- Always follow your routine of pumping and nursing.
Final words
Breastfeeding with engorged breasts is a painful experience and, you must avoid it at all costs. The consequences of extreme engorgement are even more horrific, like cracked nipples and mastitis. Please follow the precautions we have enlisted to avoid this distressing experience. How about you, share with us your own personal experience with engorged breast. How did you deal with it? Any helpful tips and tricks up your sleeves to help a Mama out? Please comment below and thank you for reading.
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