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Engorgement PDF

Breast engorgement is normal in the first week after delivery as breasts get larger and fuller. Signs include swollen, hard, painful breasts with red, shiny skin that makes it difficult for babies to latch on. Causes include too much time between feedings or missed feedings. Treatment involves applying cold compresses, taking warm showers, gently massaging breasts, and continuing frequent breastfeeding. Mothers should contact their healthcare provider if engorgement becomes severe or painful, baby has trouble latching, or signs of a breast infection appear.

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624 views1 page

Engorgement PDF

Breast engorgement is normal in the first week after delivery as breasts get larger and fuller. Signs include swollen, hard, painful breasts with red, shiny skin that makes it difficult for babies to latch on. Causes include too much time between feedings or missed feedings. Treatment involves applying cold compresses, taking warm showers, gently massaging breasts, and continuing frequent breastfeeding. Mothers should contact their healthcare provider if engorgement becomes severe or painful, baby has trouble latching, or signs of a breast infection appear.

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revathidadam55555
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NEW MOTHER FACT SHEET

Breast Engorgement
What Is Normal? Treatment for Engorgement
• Your breasts will get larger and heavier • If the breast is severely swollen, apply an icy
during the first week after delivery. cold compress.
• A feeling of fullness two to three days after • Be sure to place a light towel between the
delivery is normal. cold compress and your breast.
• If breasts are leaking freely, take a warm
Signs of Engorgement shower; apply a hot, moist towel to breasts;
• Breasts are swollen, hard and painful. or soak breasts in a basin of warm water for
• Skin of breast is red, shiny and hot. up to five minutes.
• Nipple is hard for the baby to grasp. • Using the flat part of your fingers, gently
• The mother’s body temperature rises. massage the breast in a circular pattern
before and during breastfeeding or pumping.
Causes • Wear a bra for comfort and support. Avoid
• Too much time between feedings. bras that are too tight or have underwire.
• Missed feedings. • If baby takes only one breast, express the
• Incorrect latching and positioning of baby milk from the other breast.
on breast. • Try chilled raw cabbage leaves.
¾ Wash leaves and crush with a rolling pin.
Prevention ¾ Apply to breast for at least 30 minutes.
• Make sure the baby is latching on well and Relief is usually felt within two hours.
positioned correctly.
• Ask your health-care provider about
• Breastfeed as soon as possible after medications to reduce pain and swelling.
delivery.
• Breastfeed frequently, eight to 12 times per When To Call Your
24 hours.
• Do not skip nighttime feedings.
Health-Care Provider
• Offer both breasts at every feeding. • If engorgement becomes severe or painful.
• Express your milk if you delay or miss • Your baby has trouble latching on.
feedings. • Your baby has a low diaper count (fewer
• Begin each feeding on the breast offered than six to eight wet diapers in 24 hours).
last. • You have symptoms of a breast infection
• Avoid feeding your baby water or formula known as mastitis:
unless directed by your health-care Fever, higher than 100.4 degrees by
provider. mouth; increased fatigue; muscle aches;
• Avoid the use of bottles or pacifiers while flu-like symptoms; red, hot or hard
baby is learning to breastfeed. breasts; or red streaks extending from a
• Unrelieved, prolonged engorgement leads lump toward the underarm area.
to a lowered milk supply. Check out www.gotmomma.com for more
breastfeeding information.

North Dakota Department of Health


800.472.2286 www.ndhealth.gov
May 2010

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