Breast
Engorgement - Breastfeeding Engorgement
Weaning Breast Engorgement |
During
the first week after delivery, as the colostrum is
changing to mature milk, your breasts will become full.
This normal postpartum fullness usually diminishes
within 3-5 days. Engorgement may develop if your baby
does not adequately remove the milk from your breasts.
During this time, your breasts will feel hard, painful
and hot.
PREVENTION:
1. This is prevented by frequent breast feedings (8-12 times within 24 hours).
2. Avoiding supplements of water or formula for the
first 3-4 weeks unless medically indicated.
3. Expressing your milk, if you miss any feedings.
4. Weaning your baby, over a gradual period.
TREATMENT:
1. Apply
a hot, moist towel to your breasts for 2-5 minutes, or
take a hot shower before nursing your baby.
2. If your breasts are severely swollen or engorged,
try applying icy cold compresses, or cold cabbage leaves,
prior to nursing.
3. Hand express some milk to soften the areola after
using moist heat. This makes is easier for baby to attach
to the breast.
4. Use gentle breast massage before and during
breastfeeding or pumping.
5. Try icy cold compresses to your breast after
nursing to relieve the discomfort and decrease swelling.
6. If your baby takes only one breast, use a
hospital-type automatic electric breast pump or hand
expression to express the milk from the other breast
during the engorgement period.
7. If your nipples remain flat, wear multiple holed
breast shells for half and hour before
breastfeeding. This will help draw out the nipple,
making it easier for the baby to latch on. Discontinue
usage if discomfort occurs.
8. Avoid bottles, pacifiers and nipple shields
during this engorgement period. These may cause nipple
confusion/preference.
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