How Does One Prevent And Treat Engorgement Of The Breast And Breast Abscess?
You may get congestion of the breasts after 3 to 4 days of delivery. As soon as you feel that your breasts are becoming taut, remove some of the milk by expressing it with your hands. If you like, you may drink this valuable expressed milk instead of throwing it away. Unrestricted feeding or demand feeding a baby would also help to prevent engorgement. Even if your breasts develop an infection, it is safe to continue breastfeeding the baby. If you do not want to do so, continue expressing the milk from them. Hot water fomentation is helpful. You must take enough rest. An 8 to 10 days course of antibiotics may be needed. If an abscess does form, surgical help may be required. You should start breastfeeding from the operated side as soon as possible. This does not delay healing of the wound.
