What is the difference between breast fullness and breast engorgement?
*Breast fullness is a gradual build-up of milk in the breast that could be an indication of early lactation. It is a transitory phenomenon where breast tissue remains compressible. It usually does not cause difficulties with breastfeeding and rarely lasts longer than 24-36 hours. Fullness disappears on its own with the increase of breast milk. Mothers will feel well, contrary to breast engorgement. *Breast engorgement can cause difficulties with breastfeeding due to mismanagement of the state of transient fullness because of a delay or restriction in duration and frequency of breastfeeding and because many mothers receive IV fluid. Numbness and tingling may occur with severe engorgement, due to pressure on the nerve in the armpit. Fever is also a sign of engorgement and pain is generalized (there is a feeling of general tiredness). * Both conditions can occur in both breasts simultaneously, with an overall swelling of the breasts.
