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Relieving
and Treating Engorged Breasts
During
the first few weeks after delivery as the colostrum "starter milk"
is changing to mature milk, your breasts will become full.
This normal postpartum fullness usually diminishes within
3-5 days. Engorgement can occur if your baby does not adequately
remove milk from your breasts. This causes your breasts
to feel hard, painful and hot. This is due in part to extra
blood and swollen lymph nodes, not entirely to accumulated
milk. Excessive fullness of the breasts can also lead to
swollen areolas (the dark area around the nipple) and flattened
nipples, making it difficult for the baby to latch-on,
causing sore nipples.
Prevention
You
can prevent engorgement by following these simple guidelines: Breastfeed
your baby frequently, 8-12 times in 24 hours. Unless it's recommended
by your health care provider, avoid supplements of water or formula
for the first 3-4 weeks. If you miss any feedings, express (pump)
your milk, and when weaning your baby, do so gradually.
Engorged breasts can be treated in several ways. Try applying hot,
moist towels to your breasts for a few minutes, or taking a hot
shower before nursing your baby. After using moist heat, hand-expression
of milk will help soften the areola, making it easier for the baby
to latch-on to your breast. You may also want to use gentle massage,
deep breathing, soft music or other relaxation techniques before
and during nursing. Icy cold compresses applied to your breasts
can relieve discomfort and swelling after breastfeeding.
If
your baby takes only one breast, you can alleviate engorgement of
the breast that is not nursing by using a breastpump or by hand
expressing milk. If your baby can't latch-on or your nipples are
flattened, use a hospital-type electric breastpump or hand expression
to soften the areola. Use moist heat and breast massage before pumping.
Continue pumping every two hours, 10 minutes per breast, until your
baby can latch-on.
If
your nipples remain flat, wear multiple-holed breast shells for
half an hour before breastfeeding. This will help draw out your
nipple, making it easier for the baby to latch-on.
Avoid
bottles, pacifiers and nipple shields. These may cause nipple confusion/preference.
Wearing
a proper-fitting, supporting nursing bra will make full breasts
more comfortable and prevent the discomfort of engorgement.
If you have further problems, contact your health care professional
or breastfeeding specialist.
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Copyright 2000-07 Babies 'n Business, LLC. Product names are trademarks
of Medela, Inc.
Information sheets and instructional illustrations courtesy of Medela,
Inc. Used with permission.
Ameda
products are registered.
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