Introduction
Breast engorgement is common in the first week after giving birth. Your breasts might feel uncomfortable, hard, and swollen. You may also experience chills and a fever. Gentle massage and other methods are used by medical professionals to reduce edema and promote your well-being. Never pump or rub your breasts vigorously.
What is breast engorgement?
Breast engorgement (also called early postpartum engorgement) is swelling of your breasts that occurs soon after giving birth. It happens as your body shifts from the first stage of lactation (which starts during pregnancy) to the second stage. The second stage begins just a few days after delivery, and it’s when your milk starts “coming in.”
Your body sends more lymph and blood to your breasts in anticipation of increasing milk production. Pain and other symptoms may result from the increased amount of fluid between your breast tissues.
What causes breast engorgement?
Breast engorgement results from an increase in the volume of blood and lymph, a colorless, watery fluid, in your breasts. A higher blood flow to a particular part of your body is referred to by medical professionals as hyperemia. In this instance, your breasts are producing more blood than normal in order to facilitate lactation. Lymph delivers vital nutrients to your cells and tissues while removing waste products. These extra fluids can cause your breasts to swell, leading to discomfort.
What does an engorged breast feel like?
In the event of breast engorgement, one may observe the following:
- Swelling of both breasts, especially in the lower areas (farthest from your chest).
- Pain in your breasts, sometimes severe.
- Breasts that feel firm or hard.
- Sweating, fever and chills (less common).
Also keep in mind, while your breasts are engorged, it might be difficult for your baby to latch on for breastfeeding.
How is breast engorgement diagnosed?
During a physical examination, medical professionals (such as obstetricians and pediatricians) might detect breast engorgement. Your provider will examine your breasts and talk to you about how you’re feeling. They’ll also ask how breastfeeding is going and if you’re having any difficulties.
All this information can help your provider determine if engorgement is the cause of your symptoms, or if there’s another cause like ductal narrowing (clogged milk ducts) or mastitis.
What are available breast engorgement treatments?
Your healthcare provider/ Pediatrician will talk to you about the best ways to manage engorged breasts. It is important to follow the instructions provided to you.
- Don’t over-pump. Continue to pump or feed based on your infant’s needs.
- Apply cold packs to your breast after breastfeeding. Doing so can help reduce inflammation.
- Try reverse pressure softening. This involves applying gentle, steady pressure in the area around your areola. This moves fluid away from the nipple to allow your baby to latch more easily. Your provider/ Pediatrrican will show you how to do this technique, and you can then continue to do it on your own.
- Try breastfeeding in the side-lying position. This position can help your baby latch on more comfortably when your breasts are engorged.
- Don’t massage your breasts unless your provider/ Pediatrician tells you to. They’ll advise using one of the techniques listed above, which uses gentle pressure. Using too much force or vigorously massaging your breasts can make your symptoms worse.
Conclusion
Pregnancy and childbirth bring many changes to your life, and some of those changes can be uncomfortable. Breast engorgement is just one example. Having swollen and painful breasts can make it hard to get through the day, let alone breastfeed. That’s why it’s important to seek help when you notice symptoms. Don’t try to tough it out or use home remedies that others promise will work.
Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes and solutions for the same.