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Breast engorgement (swelling) occurs
when the breasts produce more milk than the amount that is being expelled by
breast-feeding, pumping, or manual (hand) expression. The milk overflows from the
glands and engorges the breasts. Breast engorgement is common during the first two
to five days after childbirth when breast-feeding begins, but can also develop any time the
baby’s demand for breast milk decreases or stops or the mother is unable to empty her
breasts.
When breast engorgement occurs, the
entire breast, nipple, and areola (pigmented region surrounding the nipple) swell and
usually cause discomfort or pain. The baby may suck from the nipples but will not
receive much milk. However, the baby's sucking will cause the breasts to produce
more milk, further overfilling the milk glands and increasing engorgement.
Other symptoms of breast engorgement
include:
- Hard, warm, throbbing, or slightly lumps
breasts
- Flattened nipples (difficult for the
baby to latch on)
- A slight increase in body temperature
(around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.78 degrees Celsius)
- Slightly swollen axillary (underarm)
lymph nodes
Breast engorgement can lead to blocked
milk ducts or mastitis (breast infection) if milk is not emptied from the breasts.
Engorgement may occur shortly after
childbirth even if a woman does not breast-feeding since the breasts will still produce
milk temporary. Milk production should stop soon if milk is not being emptied.
Prevention
The best way to prevent breast
engorgement is to breast-feed frequently (eight to 12 times in 24 hours), especially
during the first few days after childbirth. Breast engorgment may also be prevented
by practicing the following:
- Pump the breasts if any feedings are
missed.
- If weaning the baby, do so gradually.
Treatment
Severe breast engorgement should not
last more than 12 to 48 hours. The treatment of breast engorgement usually focuses
on relieving symptoms. Women who experience breast engorgement may wish to talk to
their physician or consult a certified lactation consultant (an individual with medical
training in the field of lactation).
One or more of the following may help
alleviate the symptoms of breast engorgement:
- Before breast-feeding, take a warm
shower or apply warm moist compresses to your breasts.
- Breast-feed often (every one and a half
to three hours) or pump the breasts to stimulate milk production
- Use icy compresses after breast-feeding
to decrease swelling.
- Manually express or pump milk from the
breasts before breast-feeding to soften the breasts
- Massage the breast with the fingertips
in a circular motion down toward the nipple as the baby nurses.
- A technique commonly used by midwives in
Australia involves applying cooled cabbage leaves to the breast under the bra to decrease
pain and discomfort.
- Ask a physician whether over the counter
medications (such as Tylenol) are safe to take to relieve discomfort.
Additional Resources and
References
Updated: August 15, 2007
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