Breast engorgement is a condition that is very painful and caused by an excess buildup of milk in the breast. This can make the breasts feel painful, warm, and tender, and may also cause a fever. When breasts are engorged, it can be hard for a baby to latch on and nurse properly.
Engorgement commonly occurs in the 1st few days after childbirth when colostrum transforms into milk. It can also happen if there are modifications in how often the baby feeds or if regular pumping sessions are missed.
If not addressed, engorgement can cause other issues such as blocked milk ducts and also a breast infection known as mastitis. Additionally, because the body interprets engorgement as a signal to produce less milk, it may result in a decrease in milk production over time.
What is it?
Breast engorgement happens when breasts become overly filled with milk. It’s frequent in new parents who are breastfeeding, especially during the 1st week after childbirth when milk production is high.
After birth, breasts naturally become full as they start making milk. This fullness usually goes away within a few days if the baby feeds regularly. However, if the baby doesn’t nurse enough, or if they don’t take as much milk as usual and the parent can’t pump or hand express milk, engorgement can occur.
Sometimes, the body makes more milk than the requirement of the newborn, which is known as oversupply. This may also lead to breast engorgement.
Symptoms
When breasts are engorged, they can feel swollen, firm, and painful. The nipples might flatten out, and the area around them can become very firm, making it hard for the baby to feed on.
If the engorgement is severe, the breasts may feel shiny, lumpy, warm, and hard.
Engorged breasts can also cause a mild fever and lymph nodes swollen in the armpit.
Remedies to relieve breast engorgement
Many breastfeeding parents face engorgement at some point. It can often be relieved by following these steps:
- Firstly, feed your baby a little and frequently, especially newborns who may need to feed 8 to 12 times a day. Starting with the engorged breast can help.
- During feeding, gently massage the breast towards the nipple from the chest wall to encourage milk flow.
- Before feeding, taking a warm bath or placing a warm wet cloth on the breast can help.
- If your baby is having trouble latching, try hand pumping or expressing a small amount of milk before feeding to decrease swelling.
- Applying an ice pack in the middle of feeds can alleviate from discomfort.
- For discomfort and pain, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken.
- Ensure you wear a well-fitted bra to help manage engorgement effectively.
Complications
Breast engorgement can lead to several complications if not managed properly:
- Blocked Milk Ducts: Milk that isn’t drained properly can get trapped in the ducts, causing them to become blocked and painful.
- Mastitis: This is an infection of the breast tissue that leads to serious pain, redness, swelling, and high temperatures in the body. It often needs treatment, including antibiotics.
- Abscess Formation: In severe cases, a pocket of pus can form in the breast, which may need drainage and antibiotics.
- Reduced Milk Supply: Extended engorgement can signal the body to produce less milk, potentially leading to a reduction in milk supply.
- Breast Tissue Damage: Long-lasting engorgement can cause damage to the breast tissue, making breastfeeding harder.
- Nipple Damage: The swelling and firmness of engorged breasts can make it hard for the baby to take correctly, leading to sore, cracked nipples.
Preventive tips
The most effective way to eliminate engorgement is to follow a regular feeding schedule. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infants who exclusively breastfeed typically feed each 2 to 4 hours until they are about 6 months old.
It’s also helpful to nurse at night time to keep the breasts from becoming overly full by morning. Making sure that the baby feeds onto the breast well is crucial for efficient milk removal. Choosing which breast the infants start feeding from can also help balance milk production.
If breastfeeding isn’t possible, expressing milk for every few hours can help relieve engorgement and continue the milk supply. It’s advised to avoid utilizing pacifiers or bottle nipples until breastfeeding is well established, as this can help regulate milk production.
When deciding to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to do so slowly over some weeks. Suddenly stopping can cause engorgement and discomfort for both the parent and the baby.
When to consult a healthcare provider
It’s important to take medical advice if you notice any concerning symptoms related to breast engorgement. These include swelling or discoloration of the breasts, which could indicate a more serious issue. If you get a fever, this might be a sign of infection and should prompt medical attention. Increasing pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies is another reason to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
If engorgement persists and hasn’t improved after 2 to 3 days despite trying different methods to relieve it, consulting with a healthcare provider is suggested. They can provide guidance on further steps to take and ensure there are no underlying complications contributing to the prolonged engorgement. Early medical intervention can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent any potential complications.
Outlook
Engorgement is a condition that is very painful and often starts soon after childbirth. It causes swelling, hardness, and pain in the breasts.
For many parents, engorgement improves within some days as the body adapts to the baby’s feeding needs. During this time, pumping and gently expressing milk by hand can relieve pain and soothe the breasts.
Using warm or cold compresses, massaging the breasts, and taking non-prescribed medicines relievers can also help reduce discomfort caused by engorgement. These methods can provide relief while the body adjusts to breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Summary
Breast engorgement is common among breastfeeding parents, causing painful swelling and hardness in the breasts shortly after childbirth. Regular and frequent feeding, proper latching techniques, and alternating breasts can help prevent and manage engorgement.
Techniques like warm compresses, gentle massage, and over-the-counter pain relief can provide relief. It’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, such as fever or persistent pain. Gradually stopping breastfeeding can prevent sudden engorgement. Overall, early intervention and proper management can help alleviate engorgement and ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience.
