Engorged Breasts

Symptoms:

• Breasts are painful.
• Hard and swollen especially under the armpits.
• Lumpy, shiny and tight skin.
• Nipples may become flat due to swollen and tense breasts.

Causes:

• Common on day 2 to 5 when milk supply comes in.
• Caused by increase in blood flow and milk supply
• Poor latching causing poor milk flow.
• Anxiety and stress.
• Missed feeds.
• Sudden weaning.

Relief:

• Wearing a good, supportive bra.
• Feed frequently.
• Place cold packs or cabbage leaves around breasts between feeds.
• Warm packs around breasts or a warm shower just before feeds.
• Allow baby to feed slightly longer on each breast.
• Manually and gently express a little milk prior to feeding to soften the areola and ensure a correct latch.
• Avoid any supplementary formula or water feeds to ensure regular stimulation and emptying of the breasts.