Baby & Pregnancy : Breast Engorgement

Within 72 hours of giving birth, new mothers may well discover that their breasts are feeling very sensitive. There may also be lumpiness, throbbing, a slight fever and swelling which in some cases may extend to the armpits. These are most likely the signs of post partum breast engorgement which, although quite painful, is a temporary condition.
The reason this happens is down to the relatively sudden availability of breast milk that the body prepares for the baby, which increases blood flow to the breasts. This, in many cases, results in full and very swollen breasts. The increased pressure in the breasts, if not released, can lead to problems with the baby’s ability to suckle, and the mother’s ability to continue making milk.

Treatment : Breast Engorgement Relief

In order to lessen the impact of this quite natural occurrence, some steps can be taken:
• Frequent nursing.
This should be done every 2 hours or so even if it may mean waking the baby. Breast engorgement that is not relieved can detrimentally affect future milk production.
• Don’t restrict the baby’s time at each breast.
If one breast is sufficient for him or her, offer the other side next time you feed.
• Wear a supportive nursing bra day and night.
Ensure that it is not too tight.
• Avoid excessive breast pumping.
Except for the reason detailed below, too much pumping can worsen the engorgement by promoting the overproduction of milk.
• Ensure the baby gets a good latch.
Engorgement can affect the areola (the dark ring around the nipple), making latching difficult and leading to potential nipple damage. To combat this, pumping or manually expressing milk may be necessary to soften the areola. A warm shower can help with the expressing of milk. Sometimes the warm water alone can promote leakage.
• Cold packs can relieve pain and swelling.
Bags of crushed ice or even frozen peas applied to the breasts for a short time between feedings.
• Massage the breast while the baby feeds.
A gentle massage of the breast in use with a circular motion of fingertips down toward the nipple can help with milk flow, and provide relief from discomfort and tightness.
• Avoid applying heat directly to the breasts.
Other than to soften the areola prior to feeding, the use of warm compresses, hot water bottles and the like can exacerbate engorgement.
• Fresh green cabbage leaves.
Washed and dried, these can provide relief from pain and discomfort when placed on the breasts, inserted into bra cups, chilled or warmed (prior to feeding). Trimming and adjustments may need to be made, holes cut out for nipples etc.
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol.
In consultation with your doctor, these or other mild pain relief medications could be used if nothing else helps.

Engorgement should subside within a few days with the help of the feeding baby. The breasts, while still full of milk, will be softer. Those not nursing will probably experience it for longer.

Breast Infection

As has already been mentioned, there can be a low grade fever associated with breast engorgement. A fever can also, however, be one of the symptoms of a breast infection. Other symptoms of breast infection (mastitis) are red streaks which extend up to the armpits, pain, swelling and cracked nipples. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have an infection. He will most probably prescribe antibiotics to combat it. These antibiotics are said to be safe to take while breastfeeding. It is important to continue breastfeeding during treatment for an infection as the infected milk does not harm the baby, and needs to be drained to help prevent an abscess from forming. Women who for some reason can not continue breastfeeding should express their milk.
Breast infections do not occur as much as they used to, thanks to modern hygiene methods.