Engorged Breasts
In some women, a few days after delivery the milk supply comes on so quickly that the breasts become swollen, hard and sore. This is called engorgement. There is an increased supply of blood and other fluids in the breast as well as milk.
What will you notice in an engorged breast?
The breasts and nipples may be so swollen that the baby is unable to latch on and suckle. The soreness makes it difficult for the mother to relax and enjoy the feeding of her baby.
How are engorged breasts managed?
- Feed the baby on demand from day one until he/she has had enough.
- The first breast is finished completely. One side per feed is used rather than some from each breast. The second breast is offered if the baby is hungry.
- A warm wash or shower before breast-feeding is advised as it softens the breasts and helps in free flow of the milk.
- Avoid giving the baby other fluids.
- Massage any breast lumps gently towards the nipple while feeding.
- Apply cold packs after feeding and cool washed cabbage leaves (left in the refrigerator) between feeds.
- If the breast feels uncomfortable or if the baby sleeps for more than four hours, the baby can be woken up for its feed.
- Use a good comfortable brassiere.
- Remove your bra completely before feeding.
- For severe discomfort, contact your doctor - paracetamol may be taken with the doctors' consent.
Citations
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
-
APA
Dr. Reeja Tharu. (2020, February 05). Engorged Breast. Medindia. Retrieved on May 23, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/breastfeed_engbreast.htm.
-
MLA
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Engorged Breast". Medindia. May 23, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/breastfeed_engbreast.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Engorged Breast". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/breastfeed_engbreast.htm. (accessed May 23, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Reeja Tharu. 2021. Engorged Breast. Medindia, viewed May 23, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/breastfeed_engbreast.htm.
Do you wish to consult an Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYN) for your problem? Ask your question

3 years experience
Vani clinic, Sambankulam

9 years experience
DR Ankita Mandal, Near Greenwood Park
A mother, after giving birth to premature twins, never breast fed babies for one month. Now milk is dried from the breast. why this happens and what is the solution to it.
should Pizotifen, Rabeprazole, Montelukast, Fexofenadine, Domperidone effects by baby as i feed by breast to my baby. please tell me.
We have a girl baby of 20 days. she used to have mothers milk every half an hour. whether mothers milk is not sufficient for her. sometimes we used to give her powder milk as advised by doctors and she has a nice sleep. please advice us and need a good diet for her mother.
what are the food increase the milk?
i have 1 and 1/2 months beby girl and now i m suffering from loose motion kindly guide me which antibiotics can i take or can i take loperamide ? please guide me ASAP
Follow @MedIndia
Most Popular on Medindia
Iron Intake Calculator Sanatogen Turmeric Powder - Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects Drug Side Effects Calculator Drug - Food Interactions Loram (2 mg) (Lorazepam) Sinopril (2mg) (Lacidipine) Pregnancy Confirmation Calculator Blood - Sugar Chart Post-Nasal DripDisclaimer - All information and content on this site are for information and educational purposes only. The information should not be used for either diagnosis or treatment or both for any health related problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician for medical diagnosis and treatment. Full Disclaimer
Advertise with us | Medindia Copyright | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
© All Rights Reserved 1997 - 2022