WHAT IS BREAST ENGORGEMENT? HOW TO GET RELIEF FROM IT?

If you are you experiencing sore and swollen or out-to-burst breasts? Are your breasts becoming huge and tender after giving birth to your baby? It might be breast engorgement that happens due to a sudden flow of breast milk post-delivery. + can lead to other breastfeeding problems if not treated on time such as cracked nipples, clogged milk ducts, and mastitis which is not funny. If you want to know what breast engorgement is read this blog to the end also know how to get relief from breast engorgement.

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What is breast engorgement?`   

Breast engorgement happens when breast milk first comes in. Post-delivery when your breasts are filled with milk, your breasts are not ready for this change which can be a reason for engorged breasts. As a result of breast engorgement, you will experience swollen breasts, hardness and pain.

Here’s how breast engorgement happens: When breast lobules produce and store milk in women’s breasts so that their breasts have an efficient supply of breast milk whenever their babies feel hungry. If breast milk is not drained frequently and properly, breast milk will be collected in the lobules and will create swelling, hardness and pain in the breasts.

Also Read: Solving Some Common Breastfeeding Problems  | By Star of Baby

Breast engorgement usually happens some days after giving birth because, at that point, your breasts will be switching from colostrum to mature milk. Your breast will be normal within two days and will be full of milk right before a breastfeeding session.

Breast engorgement can be uncomfortable; however, it also can be a sign that your body is working correctly. If there is any other sickness while you experiencing engorged breasts, it can be a matter of worry and if you are not feeling any sickness and your breasts are drained from time to time properly, there is nothing serious about it. Engorged breast is a normal process that can subside within two to three days.

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Breast Engorgement Symptoms:

• If your breasts grow a little post-delivery it is normal, but if the size seems larger than normal and does not get to the normal size, It can be the symptom of breast engorgement.
• If you are experiencing any kind of hardness in your breasts and it feels like bursting up, it also can be a symptom of breast engorgement.
• Symptoms of breast engorgement make latching difficult for babies and also flatten up your nipples and make the areola harder.
• If any spots on your breasts feel like a bruise it might be a sign of infection. Go and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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Also Read: Get started with breastfeeding and pumping schedule

How long does breast engorgement last?

On the days when you are experiencing engorged breasts, you should feel relaxed right after draining out the milk or breastfeeding your baby and swelling should subside within two to three days. Taking the proper bed rest while breastfeeding by the time of breast engorgement, can subside the breast engorgement within 24 hours.

Also Read: Struggling with breastfeeding? Check out these tips for new mothers | by Star of Baby

How to relieve engorged breasts?

Here are some easy ways to get relief from breast engorgement:

1. Put the baby on your breast as often as possible: Drain out your breasts every two hours, it is the best option. If you are experiencing discomfort due to engorged breasts, put your baby o latch on your breast as often as possible so that you can feel relaxed and it will relieve the engorgement.
2. Apply a warm and moist compress: Make sure you warm up your breasts just before breastfeeding time, it would help to soften your breasts and will encourage the letdown. But do not apply the warm compress for more than a few minutes because excessive heat can increase swelling and inflammation.
3. Get relief with massaging: To help your breasts drain out and to bring down the swelling, massaging your breasts gently can help. Use your fingertips to massage in a circular motion toward the nipple and push in toward your chest.
4. Use a cold compress: If you have done all the above things and still not feeling relaxed and relieved from breast engorgement, you can try putting a cold compress on your breasts that would help to reduce inflammation. Do not try all the tactics at the same time, the situation can go worst!!! take rest in between.
5. Cold cabbage can help: You also can place cold and clean cabbage leaves on the breasts to get relief from engorged breasts. Just remove the leaves right after the swelling goes otherwise it can lead to a low milk supply
6. A manual breast pump could work: Use a manual pump to express breast milk, it can make you feel relaxed. Note that an electric breast pump can be harsh on the engorged breasts. Manual breast pumps are said to be gentle and can soften your breasts.
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Also Read: Frequently asked questions | Breastfeeding Pumps | Star of Baby

Tips to prevent breast engorgement:

• Breastfeeding your baby right after, every two to three hours will help to prevent your breasts from overfilling.
• Never limit the feeding time of your baby. Let them empty your breasts fully whenever they are hungry.
•  Consult your lactation expert to give you advice on smoothening your baby’s latch.
• In case you are not with your baby, keep a breast pump with you and go with your breastfeeding schedule. As your breasts need to be drained every two to three hours.
• Go with a manual breast pump as electric breast pumps can be harsh on engorged breasts.
• Drink plenty of water so that the lymphatic system can work efficiently.