How to prevent & treat breast engorgement?
A. When milk comes in 2-3 days after delivery sometimes breasts may get engorged. This can also happen if baby has not been frequently put to breast. It can also result later on if baby does not take feed long after the expected time. Initial feeling of fullness in the breast can easily progress to hardening of breast with pain. If further not attended it can give rise to redness & swelling of the breast with fever. Subsequently it can lead to breast abscess. Hence every mother must know how to express the milk so that with first sign of heaviness she can start expressing the milk. This is best done by hands. Care should be taken in the initial few days after delivery to give demand feeding in proper position to prevent engorgement.
