What is engorgement and what does a mother do about it?
Some fullness and warmth is normal in the first 3-4 days of breastfeeding. However, the breast may overfill and become hard, shiny and very swollen. That’s engorgement and it’s not just milk. There’s also swelling. To relieve mild engorgement, first try standing in a warm shower, allowing the water to run over the breasts or lean down into a basin of warm water. Milk may begin to flow out and relieve the tightness. If the shower doesn’t help, or if the breasts are hard and tight, cover both breasts with an ice pack (ice cubes in a plastic bag). Cold decreases the swelling of the tissues. Apply the ice packs for 3-4 minutes every 2 hours until the milk begins to flow. Once relieved, engorgement usually doesn’t come back. If the breasts continue to feel overly full, consult a Lactation Consultant.
