Hints for Breast Engorgement

Postnatal

To read the previous part of this entry, go to Breast Engorgement During Breastfeeding.

You can do several things for breast engorgement. In this entry, I will explain some hints for before, during and after breastfeeding.

Before breastfeeding:

  • Make sure the areola is flexible before breastfeeding. If it isn’t, apply hot damp compresses for a couple of minutes. Then manually extract a bit of milk to soften the tissues to promote better latching by the baby.
  • Lightly massage the breasts from the thorax towards the nipple.
  • If the breasts are too engorged, manually extract a bit of milk before breastfeeding using a pump (in french).

During breastfeeding:

  • That said, if the baby feeds from one breast only (the most engorged one first), and the mother is still engorged, you shouldn’t empty the breast manually or with a pump. We want relief by getting rid of the milk. So, send a message to the brain to diminish milk production because there is too much.
  • Mothers can lie on their back. The mammary gland will be spread out on the thorax which will diminish the swelling process.
  • You can compress the bumps that appear on the breast during breastfeeding.
  • Increase the number of feedings to each time your baby wakes.
  • Place a hot washcloth on the breast when the baby feeds. This will dilate the blood vessels and expel the contents into the baby’s mouth in an easier way.
  • Move your shoulders to activate circulation. This can help release the contents of the breasts.
  • You partner can massage your back to activate circulation.

After breastfeeding:

  • Apply cold compresses to the breasts, but it’s important not more than 10 minutes per hour.
  • You can apply cabbage leaves. You have to wash them and apply them to the breast without covering the areolae.
  • Use a proper bra to support the weight of your chest without crushing the breast structures.
  • A natural thing that can help is a natural clay poultice applied to the breast. Clay absorbs liquids, so it’s an effective anti-inflammatory. Be careful of lower quality china clay.
  • Pump your milk from the uncomfortably engorged breast to get relief.
  • Finally, we can talk about ultrasounds. Did you know that ultrasound techniques are used by physiotherapists to treat many problems, including pathological engorgement in breastfeeding mothers?
  • You can also use analgesics for relief during breastfeeding. Ibuprofen, naproxen and anti-inflammatory and acetaminophen is a painkiller.

To learn more about other methods, see the next entry Ultrasound Techniques.

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Natural Childbirth in a Hospital

Natural Childbirth in a Hospital

Come will Marie and see the birth of Chantal and Joel’s second child, Léa. The couple chose to give birth
Adapting to the return home with a newborn

Adapting to the return home with a newborn

Family life changes after the birth of a baby. How can you prepare for this event and help the transition
Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do you know which medications are allowed during pregnancy? What can you take for nausea or headaches? What about a
Physical Exam of a Baby

Physical Exam of a Baby

Parents may not know how a newborn will physically look after birth, and it may worry them. Marie does a

Discover other articles

How do I know if my breastfed baby has diarrhea?

How do I know if my breastfed baby has diarrhea?

I am breastfeeding my three-week-old baby, and I was wondering how to recognise if my baby has diarrhea, given their stool is liquid most of
Choosing the Right Nursing Bra

Choosing the Right Nursing Bra

Mothers have many questions when pregnant, and these depend on the pregnancy stage. At the start, they may have questions about insecurity. Then questions shift
Risk factors in pregnant women which suggest support socks might be necessary

Risk factors in pregnant women which suggest support socks might be necessary

To read the previous part, go to Support Socks during Pregnancy – Yes or No? She has a history of vascular disorders, venous insufficiency disorders
UV Index Protection Scale

UV Index Protection Scale

The previous article provided advice on how to protect your baby’s skin. If you want to read it, go to How can I protect my

Hints for Breast Engorgement

Par Marie Fortier Temps de lecture: 2 min
0