How to relieve breast engorgement and pain

For women who are breastfeeding, breast tenderness is a common phenomenon. If the baby is not fed well or the baby is not properly conditioned, this symptom is likely to occur. If breast tenderness occurs, it must be relieved in time. For example, hot compresses, massages, and hot baths are all good methods. Emphasis must be placed on nourishment to avoid inflammation, or even breast hyperplasia or mastitis.

Why do breastfeeding mothers have engorgement?

Breast engorgement is mainly caused by increased blood and water in the breast milk and connective tissue. Pregnant women begin to produce colostrum from the late stages of pregnancy. When the placenta is delivered, prolactin increases, stimulating the production of milk, and the mammary ducts and surrounding tissues swell, reaching their peak on the 3rd or 4th day after delivery.

How to relieve breast engorgement and pain

1. Hot compress: Appropriate hot compress can promote breast blood circulation and make the milk lumps blocked in the breast become unobstructed, which is also beneficial to breast milk circulation. However, during the hot compress process, try to avoid direct contact with the areola and nipple area, as the skin in this area is relatively delicate.

2. Massage: After applying hot compress to the breasts, you can massage the breasts. There are many ways to massage the breasts. Generally, hold one breast with both hands and massage alternately from the bottom of the breast to the nipple. If there is still milk leaking, you can squeeze the milk into a container.

3. Hot bath: If the breasts are still swollen and painful, the mother can take a hot bath and massage the breasts, which will feel more comfortable.

4. Soak the breasts in warm water: You can put a basin of warm water on your knees, then bend your upper body to your knees, let your breasts soak in the basin, and gently shake your breasts. Gravity will allow the milk to flow out more easily.

5. Cold compress: If the pain from breast engorgement is very severe, you can use cold compress to relieve the pain. Always remember to express the milk before applying cold compress.

6. Use a breast pump: When your milk is very swollen, use a breast pump to suck out some of the milk, which will relieve the pain of swollen milk.

How to prevent breast lumps

1. Feed both breasts evenly when breastfeeding

If you only feed one side during breastfeeding, it is easy for the other side to have excess milk that is not discharged, blocking the mammary gland and causing lumps. Moreover, after weaning, you will find that the milk from the side that is frequently fed is larger, while the milk from the side that is less frequently fed is smaller, so breastfeeding should be balanced.

2. Use a breast pump to suck out the unfinished milk

If you feed both sides evenly and there is still some milk left, you will need to use a breast pump to suck out the remaining milk. Do not let the remaining milk remain in the breasts, as this will easily cause lumps.