What Is Breast Engorgement

Nursing mothers often face breastfeeding problems such as sore and painful nipples, plugged milk ducts, low milk supply, leaking breasts and engorged breasts. Breast engorgement is a common breastfeeding problem found in new mothers.

Let us see what breast engorgement is.

Breast engorgement is a condition in which breasts are overfilled with milk. It occurs when milk produced by your body exceeds what you express. Sometimes pain caused due to breast engorgement may become unbearable. But you may not be able to take pain relief medicines because it can reach your baby’s body through your milk.

Engorgement is usually caused when you do not feed your baby often or your baby does not empty the breasts. If your baby begins consuming solid foods or feed on formula milk then he will feed less on breast milk. If you abruptly stop breastfeeding your child or if you wait for longer time to start breastfeeding your baby after childbirth it can result in engorged breasts. Engorgement can also arise if you fall sick and are hospitalized or if you are on medication and are suggested by your doctor to avoid breastfeeding.

The common symptoms of breast engorgement include swollen, firm and tender breasts, flattened-out nipples, hardening of areola, and somewhat swollen and tender lymph node in the armpits. In case of severe engorgement breasts get swollen, shiny, lumpy, warm and hard. Fever can also be caused by severe engorgement. No tests or exams are required to diagnose breast engorgement. It is diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms alone.

Most common way to prevent or treat breast engorgement is to nurse often. But if this does not relieve engorgement, you are prone to develop blocked milk duct or/and breast infection. And if you do not try to treat engorgement it may result in other problems such as sore nipples, poor milk supply and faulty latching. You can apply the following home remedies for breast engorgement problem.

Breastfeed your baby completely and often, every 2 to 3 hours. At each feed you should offer both breasts one by one to your baby. You should wear a supportive feeding bra that fits you well. If you have engorgement problem you should avoid nipple shields and pacifiers. You can gently massage the breast your baby is on.

You should call your doctor immediately if you have a fever of 101 degree F or higher.