Many lactating women experience the uncomfortable condition of engorged breasts. Breast engorgement happens when there is an excessive amount of milk in the breasts, resulting in discomfort, sensitivity, and enlargement. Breast engorgement can pose difficulties for breastfeeding and can potentially result in other complications like blocked milk ducts or mastitis. Thankfully, there are various efficient treatments that can help alleviate engorged breasts and facilitate comfortable and successful breastfeeding. This article will delve into various effective treatments for relieving engorged breasts.
Having larger and heavier breasts after the first 5-6 days of childbirth is a normal occurrence and causes a feeling of fullness in the breasts. Apart from the milk, fullness may occur also due to blood and other liquids in the breast tissues. Usually, this condition eases out in the first two to three weeks, when the body adjusts to a supply-demand mechanism – retaining a good amount of milk for the baby.
In This Article
- What Is Breast Engorgement?
- How Long Does Breast Engorgement Last?
- 10 Effective Treatments For Relieving Engorged Breasts
- FAQ’s
What Is Breast Engorgement?
Many women think or struggle with low milk supply in the initial days. But in some cases, breasts might feel firm uneasy, painful, lumpy, or constantly pounding. These signs direct to the possibility that one might have engorged breasts. Apart from the ones already discussed, engorged breasts can have these possible problems too-
- Painful swelling that exceeds till the armpits
- Fever and other sicknesses
- As the breasts get harder, the baby might face a hard time during breastfeeding due to latching troubles
- Extremely painful nipples and reduced milk supply
There is no one answer to why this occurs. But mostly, the breasts might become engorged if you are not able to empty your breasts in the first few days of your baby’s birth. Frequent breastfeeding is immensely important for your and your baby’s health.
How Long Does Breast Engorgement Last?
For some women, the body quickly adjusts to the supply and demand mechanism, and they may experience breast fullness only for a day or two. But for some other women, engorgement may be lasting for two weeks or more. While some women get a good milk supply earlier and experience swelling and pain. This can make early breastfeeding a difficult period, and though breastfeeding pains and discomforts are common, breast engorgement could further lead to other problems. However, the breasts will soon adjust given some time, making the right amount of milk for the baby.
10 Effective Treatments For Relieving Engorged Breasts
Well, truly speaking, it is the baby’s work to help and remove the breast milk to save the mother from engorged breasts. But it is obviously not smart to rely on the baby in case the problem persists. So, here are certain steps that the mother can take to relieve the engorged breasts.
1. Start Early
Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible, before the breasts become firmer and difficult to latch on for the baby. This helps the baby learn to breastfeed sooner and become comfortable with the process. Unless medically necessary, the use of bottles and pacifiers should be avoided.
2. Frequently Nursing The Baby
The best way to treat breast engorgement is to frequently nurse or breastfeed the baby. Ideally, a baby should be nursed at least 8 times in 24 hours. If the need arises, one may even wake the baby to breastfeed. This would ensure that breasts are emptied frequently not leading to a build-up and the baby learns to latch properly.
3. Hot Water Shower
Breastfeeding with engorged breasts can be difficult because a smooth supply of available milk is hampered. And to ease out this flow one could run hot water or take a hot shower a few minutes before breastfeeding. However, ensure that you do not run hot water on the breasts for more than 5 minutes. In case a hot shower is not possible, just apply moist heat on the breasts for a few minutes each time before breastfeeding. Whereas remember not to expose your breasts to heat for very long periods as it can increase the engorging.
4. Cold Compresses
Apart from that, in case the engorging is extremely painful, cold compresses for 15-20 minutes can also be applied soon after the feeding. Remember, not to apply ice directly on the skin, one may apply wrapped frozen peas or corn ice wrapped in a clean, soft washcloth.
5. Gentle Massage For Relieving Engorged Breasts
The breasts become tight and firm when engorged. And to gain a smooth milk flow, it is inevitable to make them lose again. Therefore, a gentle breast massage and advised relaxation techniques may be applied frequently for short-short intervals. And even during breastfeeding, one should keep compressing the breasts when the baby takes small intervals in between. This compression makes sure that lesser milk is left behind. This reduces the chances of engorging.
6. Choosing Correct Intimate Wear
Sometimes, your choice of bra might be the root cause of the entire problem. An ill-fitted, uncomfortable, underwired and overly tight bra might make it harder for your breasts to breathe. Therefore choosing a soft and supportive nursing bra is extremely essential. In fact, some women even go bra-less to avoid engorging or to treat engorging.
7. Use Of Breast Pump
To improve latching for the baby, usage of hand expression and pumping is also highly recommended. As pumping can make the nipple and areola soft, thus latching becomes better. Apart from that, some women admit that just one use of a breast pump relieved them from pain caused by engorged breasts. Once the pain is managed, one can easily return to feeding as the primary way of controlling engorging. Also, pumping can save from the unwanted outcomes of the retained milk as it helps in emptying the breasts properly without causing any harm. You could also try expressing milk by hand, in case a pump is not available. In various individual cases, problems may occur if the baby is premature, too weak, or reluctant to breastfeed. In such cases, hospital-grade pumps are provided to the mothers to prevent themselves from engorging, till the baby is ready to breastfeed.
8. Cabbage Leaves For Relieving Engorged Breasts
Some mothers reportedly find relief by using cold cabbage leaves. The accepted way is to crush the veins and place several leaves on the breasts, exposing the nipples. Now, allow your bra to hold them in place. Leave them there for half an hour or so and allow it to show their magic. Though it isn’t clear yet whether relief is obtained due to some elements present in the leaves or if is it just the cold leaf that’s doing the magic? But it has been accepted as a good way of treating engorged breasts.
9. Effective Medication For Relieving Engorged Breasts
In case of extreme pain and inflammation, it is advisable to visit your healthcare expert and ask about taking Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). These medications must be taken only with a prescription as they might also enhance the pain.
10. Herbal Remedies For Relieving Engorged Breasts
Some herbal remedies like sage tea or dandelion root may help reduce milk supply and relieve engorgement. Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
Engorged breasts can be a distressing condition for breastfeeding women, but there are effective treatments available to provide relief and support. We have discussed various methods for relieving engorgement, including frequent nursing or pumping, applying warm or cold compresses, using cabbage leaves, massaging the breasts, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. It is essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or lactation consultant if the engorgement persists or if there are signs of infection. With proper treatments for relieving engorged breasts, mothers will be able to continue their breastfeeding journey with comfort and confidence. Remember, each woman’s experience may vary, so it’s important to find the treatment that works best for you. A fever higher than 101° F could be indicative of a breast infection – like mastitis.
FAQ’s
1. Is Heat Or Cold Better For Engorged Breasts?
Both heat and cold can be beneficial for relieving engorged breasts. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort, while warm compresses can improve milk flow and promote relaxation. It’s best to experiment with both methods to determine which provides the most relief for you.
2. Can Engorgement Go Away By Itself?
Engorgement can gradually resolve on its own as your body adjusts to your baby’s feeding patterns. However, actively managing engorgement through frequent nursing or pumping, warm compresses, and other techniques can help alleviate the discomfort and expedite the process of relieving engorged breasts.
3. Should I Wear A Bra When Engorged?
Wearing a bra when engorged can provide support and help alleviate discomfort. Opt for a well-fitting, supportive bra that doesn’t compress or constrict the breasts excessively. Some women find it helpful to wear a nursing bra or a bra with adjustable straps to accommodate changes in breast size.
