Chapter 5. Engorgement
Generally speaking, we do not recommend applying warm compresses to the breasts.
First of all, congratulations - this is a good sign your milk has come in! As you and your baby's feeding skills improve and your feeding pattern becomes more regular, you will experience less breast fullness. Direct breastfeeding is key. In the meantime, try the following:
- Avoid tight or underwire bras, as they will restrict your milk flow.
- You can take painkillers regularly if needed. Paracetamol is commonly used by breastfeeding mothers. Take it 45 minutes before breastfeeding to allow it to take effect.
- Apply cold compresses on your breasts after and between feedings to relieve pain and swelling. You can apply them repeatedly, but avoid placing them directly on your areola. Alternatively, you can apply chilled or room temperature raw green cabbage leaves to your breasts, also avoiding the areola. Remove the leaves after 20 minutes or when they soften. You can flatten the leaves with a bottle before application.
- Continue breastfeeding and ensure your baby is suckling well.
- Stimulate your milk let-down reflex before breastfeeding by having skin-to-skin contact with your baby to improve milk flow.
- Hand-express a small amount of breastmilk to soften your areola, making it easier for your baby to latch on the areola and suckle effectively.
- You may also try other nursing positions.
Yes, you can try hand expression and ask the nurse for a syringe to store the breast milk for your baby.
If the pain improves after pumping and there is no redness, you should continue to monitor the situation while maintaining your pumping schedule or breastfeeding directly.
Yes, it is okay to express a small amount of breast milk between pumping sessions to relieve the discomfort of engorgement.