August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month and we’re sharing tips to help you in your breastfeeding journey.
The first week postpartum is often filled with new wonders, feelings, and surprises. For many breastfeeding moms, they are taken by surprise when the onset of their breast milk production causes painful swelling known as engorgement. This usually happens between days 3 and 7 (sometimes depending on the type of delivery and medications used) and usually resolves between 24-48 hours. Although this can be a really uncomfortable moment in your breastfeeding journey, fear not. You’ve come to the right place to gather information that leads to relief.
What Causes Breast Engorgement?
Engorgement is caused by the new increase in breast milk and swelling caused by increased blood flow and lymphatic fluid in the breasts. This is a natural occurrence that can be resolved with the right tools and practices.
Symptoms of Breast Engorgement
Painful breasts: Engorged breasts can feel tender and heavy.
Swelling: Your breasts may appear larger and firmer than usual.
Warmth: The affected area may feel warm or hot.
Fever: In some cases, you may experience a slight fever.
Ways to Treat Engorgement
Here's what to do if you experience breast engorgement
Frequent Feeding/Breast Milk Removal –
Feeding on demand will help to maintain breast milk flow which helps in decreasing pressure within the breast. When nursing you want to be sure to offer both sides.
If your little one doesn’t show interest in the second side, be sure to start with that breast at the next feeding. You’ll want to nurse at least 8-12 times within 24 hours.
If you are not latching, you’ll want to pump at a frequency that mimics your baby’s feeding schedule (8-12 times within 24 hours).
Proper Breastfeeding Positions –
Positioning is a pretty big deal when it comes to adequate breast milk removal and the longevity of breastfeeding. Here's how you can position for breastfeeding:
You’ll want to start by positioning yourself until you are comfortable. Have snacks and your choice of hydration close by.
Once you’re settled, decide which position and breast you’d like to start with. Add pillows or a breastfeeding positioner if needed. This will help to give your baby the height they need to be level with your breast.
The baby’s body should be in alignment with your shoulders stacked, hips stacked, with their tummy facing yours, and with their nose facing your nipple. Always bring the “baby to breast” rather than the “breast to baby” when latching.
Your back is important and we want to do all that we can to save it from pain and injury while nursing. Using more than one nursing position can also help improve breast milk removal.
Proper Latch –
A good latch will aid in the efficiency of breast milk transfer. A good latch is a deep latch. We’ll want the baby to pull your nipple deep into their mouth until it reaches their soft palate. This will allow their mouth to compress the milk ducts under the areola.
A shallow latch is when the baby is only on the nipple. This can be characterized by but not limited to: 1. A pinching feeling or a misshapen nipple once unlatched 2. Lips that are not flanged around the areola 3. Cheeks that aren’t rounded 4. Clicking, sucking with no audible swallows 5. A baby’s mouth that isn’t opened as wide as it can be
6. Sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples in between feedings are also signs of improper latching. Practice makes perfect. Once you notice an improper latch, break your baby’s seal by inserting your pinky into the corner of their mouth, then try to relatch.
Massage –
Providing downward strokes on the breast during nursing can help to increase breast milk flow. Performing upward strokes on the breast and toward the armpit can help move lymphatic fluid between feedings.
Hand Expression –
Latching issues may arise from breasts that are very large and firm. Your baby won't be able to latch on correctly because the swelling frequently penetrates the areola and nipple. To facilitate a successful breastfeeding session, or to provide relief in between nursing sessions, try hand expressing to soften the breast.
Get personalised help on your feeding journey here.
Cold Compress –
Applying a cold compress to breasts can help decrease swelling and provide relief.
Try this for 10 minutes between nursing or pumping sessions.
Ibuprofen –
Talk to your provider about taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as Ibuprofen.
When To Call Your Provider
While breast engorgement is a common experience, it's important to seek medical attention if you're experiencing engorgement that is accompanied by:
Flu-like symptoms
Redness
Malaise.
Want Personalized Support? Join Us at Our Feeding Lounge!
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