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Breastfeeding your newborn can be an exciting experience. But what happens when your breasts become overly full and uncomfortable? This is the story of breast engorgement: a common issue involving swelling, tightness, and the search for relief.
Whether you’re a new or experienced mom, let’s explore the ins and outs of managing engorgement and keeping you comfortable throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Breast engorgement happens when your breasts become too full, feeling hard, tight, and painful. It’s common in the early days of breastfeeding, typically occurring between days 3 and 5 after childbirth but can also happen as late as days 9-10 and can occur anytime if milk isn’t properly removed.
According to a study in 2019, more than two-thirds of women report breast tenderness, and approximately 72–85% experience breast engorgement.
This condition is also called early postpartum engorgement. Newborns need frequent feeding, and it may take time for your milk supply to match their needs. Starting breastfeeding early helps bonding, but engorgement can make it challenging.
Breast engorgement happens shortly after childbirth as your body shifts from the first to the second stage of lactation, when milk production begins. Breasts are made mostly of fat along with ducts and lobules and produce milk. During this time, your body sends more blood and lymph to the breasts, which increases fluid in the breast tissues. This fluid drains through lymph nodes located in the armpit and behind the breastbone (sternum). If breastfeeding is irregular or if the breasts are not fully emptied, they can swell and become engorged.
If your baby is not properly latched onto the breast, it can be difficult for them to feed effectively when your breasts are engorged. This can cause the nipple to become overstretched, flattened, and potentially painful.
Excessive breast milk: Sometimes, women produce too much breast milk, causing difficulties for their babies. It’s helpful to have your midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding specialist observe a feeding session to identify the cause and suggest ways to reduce your milk supply.
Blocked breast milk ducts: Breast milk ducts can become blocked when milk-making glands aren’t fully emptied during feeding, often due to poor latching on the nipple by your baby. This may result in a painful lump in the breast. To prevent this, avoid tight clothing or bras and try frequent feeding from the affected breast, use warm compresses, and gently massage towards the nipple during feeding.
Transition from Colostrum to Mature Milk: During this period, typically within the first few days after birth, as the body shifts from producing colostrum to mature milk, engorgement may arise due to fluctuations in milk supply and demand.
Sudden Changes in Nursing Frequency: Any abrupt alterations in the frequency of nursing sessions, such as skipping feedings or reducing pumping sessions, can disrupt the delicate balance between milk production and consumption, leading to engorgement as the breasts adjust to the new pattern of demand.
Engorgement affects your entire breasts and can even extend to your armpits. When your breasts are engorged, you might experience:
Breast engorgement, mastitis, and blocked milk ducts are related issues often seen during breastfeeding. Engorgement happens when breasts are too full of milk, causing swelling and discomfort. If not relieved, it can lead to blocked ducts, which are tender lumps caused by obstructed milk flow. Untreated blocked ducts can develop into mastitis, an infection with inflammation, pain, redness, and flu-like symptoms.
To differentiate between breast engorgement, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis, you’ll have to pay attention to the symptoms (which are very intertwined):
Using proper breastfeeding techniques and regularly emptying the breasts can help prevent these conditions. Immediately you feel discomfort in your breasts, the best thing to do is to see your doctor for appropriate treatment.
To avoid breast engorgement, there are simple steps you can take. These measures help reduce discomfort and complications.
The good news about early postpartum engorgement is it’s temporary, usually getting better by two weeks. Not all breastfeeding women face this issue, though—it varies from person to person. Tried-and-true methods can help ease the discomfort.
Breastfeed your baby often to ease breast engorgement and keep milk flowing well. Switch sides during each feeding to prevent problems like blocked ducts or mastitis. Massage the breast before and during feeding to improve milk flow. Make sure your baby latches on correctly, ensure you stay hydrated, and get help if breastfeeding troubles persist.
This helps the baby latch by softening the areola. Press your fingertips on the areola for 30 seconds to move fluid back into the breast, reducing engorgement. Try this before breastfeeding, and take a warm shower or apply a warm, moist towel to your breasts for a few minutes before feeding.This makes it easier for the baby to latch and improves milk flow. If problems persist, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
To ease breastfeeding difficulties or alleviate fullness, consider manual expression or using a breast pump. Wash your hands, then gently massage and squeeze your breasts to express milk manually.
Alternatively, select and use a breast pump according to the instructions until your breasts feel softer. This helps relieve discomfort and ensures your baby receives sufficient milk. If needed, seek guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
To ease breastfeeding discomfort there are different methods you can use.
Remember to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding. You can always wear a supportive bra for added comfort and relief.
Using cabbage leaves on the breasts for about 20 minutes is a home remedy believed to ease swelling and discomfort during breastfeeding. Wash and dry the leaves before applying them, and avoid contact with the nipples. Secure the leaves with a bra or clothing. Monitor for any negative reactions and consult a healthcare provider before trying this method.
Herbal compresses, like chamomile or calendula, might help with breast engorgement, but there’s little scientific proof. They are made by soaking herbs in hot water, cooling them, and applying them to the breasts. Some women feel relief, but results vary. Use them with other proven methods and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
While these methods can help manage breast engorgement, the effectiveness of some, like cabbage leaves and herbal compresses, is not well-established. Proper breastfeeding techniques and regular milk removal are crucial to prevent and manage engorgement.
Breastfeed your baby often to ease breast engorgement and keep milk flowing well. Switch sides during each feeding to prevent problems like blocked ducts or mastitis. Massage the breast before and during feeding to improve milk flow. Make sure your baby latches on correctly, ensure you stay hydrated, and get help if breastfeeding troubles persist.
This helps the baby latch by softening the areola. Press your fingertips on the areola for 30 seconds to move fluid back into the breast, reducing engorgement. Try this before breastfeeding, and take a warm shower or apply a warm, moist towel to your breasts for a few minutes before feeding.This makes it easier for the baby to latch and improves milk flow. If problems persist, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
To ease breastfeeding difficulties or alleviate fullness, consider manual expression or using a breast pump. Wash your hands, then gently massage and squeeze your breasts to express milk manually.
Alternatively, select and use a breast pump according to the instructions until your breasts feel softer. This helps relieve discomfort and ensures your baby receives sufficient milk. If needed, seek guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
To ease breastfeeding discomfort there are different methods you can use.
Remember to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding. You can always wear a supportive bra for added comfort and relief.
Using cabbage leaves on the breasts for about 20 minutes is a home remedy believed to ease swelling and discomfort during breastfeeding. Wash and dry the leaves before applying them, and avoid contact with the nipples. Secure the leaves with a bra or clothing. Monitor for any negative reactions and consult a healthcare provider before trying this method.
Herbal compresses, like chamomile or calendula, might help with breast engorgement, but there’s little scientific proof. They are made by soaking herbs in hot water, cooling them, and applying them to the breasts. Some women feel relief, but results vary. Use them with other proven methods and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
While these methods can help manage breast engorgement, the effectiveness of some, like cabbage leaves and herbal compresses, is not well-established. Proper breastfeeding techniques and regular milk removal are crucial to prevent and manage engorgement.
Contact a healthcare provider right away if you:
Talk to your obstetrician or midwife. They can help identify the issue and make you feel better. You can also consult a breastfeeding specialist or lactation consultant for guidance and support.
Managing recurrent breast engorgement can be challenging for mothers. It may lead to mastitis, a painful infection that, if untreated, can cause abscesses. Persistent engorgement can also damage milk-producing cells, potentially reducing milk supply and making breastfeeding more difficult, possibly necessitating formula supplementation. Additionally, dealing with ongoing engorgement can be emotionally tasking, affecting the mother’s bond with her baby and her overall well-being. To prevent these effects, feed your baby every 2-3 hours to keep your breasts empty and ensure your baby is latching correctly to do so effectively.
Certain breastfeeding positions can help with breast engorgement. For example, the reclined position, where you lie back with the baby on your chest, can aid milk flow. Another option is the football hold, where the baby is held at your side. Trying different positions can make breastfeeding more comfortable.
Regularly expressing milk can prevent engorgement by ensuring the breasts are emptied between feedings. It’s advised to express milk every 2-3 hours or whenever the breasts feel full. Pumping or hand expressing for 10-15 minutes per session helps maintain milk supply and prevents engorgement. Expressing milk after feedings can also relieve fullness and ensure complete drainage.
If your baby has trouble latching due to engorged breasts, try warming them with a compress or shower. Gentle massage can help too. Expressing a bit of milk beforehand might make latching easier. If you need more help, consult a lactation consultant or doctor.
Breast engorgement can also cause discomfort during feedings, affecting how often and how long your baby nurses. Swollen breasts can make it hard for your baby to latch properly, leading to feeding problems like inadequate milk intake or slow weight gain. Quick action to relieve engorgement is crucial for successful breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
Managing recurrent breast engorgement can be challenging for mothers. It may lead to mastitis, a painful infection that, if untreated, can cause abscesses. Persistent engorgement can also damage milk-producing cells, potentially reducing milk supply and making breastfeeding more difficult, possibly necessitating formula supplementation. Additionally, dealing with ongoing engorgement can be emotionally tasking, affecting the mother’s bond with her baby and her overall well-being. To prevent these effects, feed your baby every 2-3 hours to keep your breasts empty and ensure your baby is latching correctly to do so effectively.
Certain breastfeeding positions can help with breast engorgement. For example, the reclined position, where you lie back with the baby on your chest, can aid milk flow. Another option is the football hold, where the baby is held at your side. Trying different positions can make breastfeeding more comfortable.
Regularly expressing milk can prevent engorgement by ensuring the breasts are emptied between feedings. It’s advised to express milk every 2-3 hours or whenever the breasts feel full. Pumping or hand expressing for 10-15 minutes per session helps maintain milk supply and prevents engorgement. Expressing milk after feedings can also relieve fullness and ensure complete drainage.
If your baby has trouble latching due to engorged breasts, try warming them with a compress or shower. Gentle massage can help too. Expressing a bit of milk beforehand might make latching easier. If you need more help, consult a lactation consultant or doctor.
Breast engorgement can also cause discomfort during feedings, affecting how often and how long your baby nurses. Swollen breasts can make it hard for your baby to latch properly, leading to feeding problems like inadequate milk intake or slow weight gain. Quick action to relieve engorgement is crucial for successful breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
1. Australian Breastfeeding Association. ‘Engorgement’. February, 2023.
2. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) ‘Breast Engorgement’.
3. Cleveland Clinic. ‘Breast Engorgement’.
4. Corewell Health. ‘Breast Engorgement’.
5. Kate Foley. ‘6 tips to treat breast engorgement while breastfeeding’. OSF Healthcare. April, 2023.
6. NHS. ‘Breast Pain and breastfeeding’. October, 2022.
7. Rajaveni P. Cabbage Leaves: An Intervention for Breast Engorgement. Pon J Nurs 2019;12(2):54–55
8. ScienceDirect. ‘Breast Engorgement’.
9. UNICEF UK.’Support for Parents – Engorgement’.
USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support. ‘Engorgement’.
11. Varghese, L., & George, R. (2017). ‘Effectiveness of prenatal teaching on prevention of breast engorgement’. ResearchGate.
12. Zakarija-Grkovic I, Stewart F. ‘Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation’. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Sep 18;9(9):CD006946. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006946.pub4. PMID: 32944940; PMCID: PMC8094412
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