6 min. read One of the most common breastfeeding issues that mothers encounter is breast engorgement. When breastfeeding, engorgement is quite normal to experience at one time or another, but it can be uncomfortable and may lead to other issues if ignored.
It’s important for mothers to recognise breast engorgement symptoms and learn how to relieve engorged breasts. Here we’ll cover all the essentials, including prevention, symptoms, and how to help engorged breasts recover.
So, what is breast engorgement? Engorgement is when a mother experiences breast swelling that leads to painful, tender breasts. The condition is often caused by increased blood flow and milk supply to the breasts, which is why it is very common during the first few days after giving birth. It can also occur within one to two weeks after giving birth or at any point while breastfeeding. While this is a normal part of nursing, it can be uncomfortable and, occasionally, lead to other complications – which is why managing it is key. Now you know the answer to, ‘what is engorgement’ you’re probably wondering, ‘how long does engorgement last? Every woman is different and the amount of time the condition lasts can vary. Some experience mild symptoms for only one day, while others may have it for up to two weeks. There are different reasons as to why women experience breast engorgement symptoms. The common causes are: 1,2
Breast engorgement symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common are:3 While engorgement and mastitis may appear similar, they are completely different conditions. So how do mothers know if they have engorgement or mastitis? Mastitis is a breast infection that usually results in flu-like symptoms, whereas engorgement is the result of milk building up and breasts not fully emptying. Engorgement can lead to other issues such as blocked milk ducts or a breast infection, which is why it’s important to know how to relieve engorgement as soon as it starts to appear.
There are a few ways that can help prevent the condition from developing in the first place. It can be more difficult in the first few days of motherhood to prevent engorged breasts, as the body adapts to the new changes. But these methods can help prevent breastfeeding engorgement:1
Mothers should schedule an appointment before their baby arrives to get their breasts checked. A healthcare professional can then provide recommendations if any adjustments are needed to make feeding more comfortable, as well as explaining how to look out for engorgement or mastitis, and how to relieve engorged breasts.
Breastfeeding mothers produce milk regularly, which is why it’s important to know how to relieve engorgement by feeding or expressing often. Mothers should aim to breastfeed at least eight times every 24 hours, fully emptying their breasts each time.
And for those moments when mothers can’t be with their baby during feedings, they should express milk frequently.
Establishing a good breastfeeding latch is important to ensure that the milk is fully drained. This will also help to prevent other issues from occurring, such as sore or irritated nipples. Mothers may find it helpful to consult their GP or a specialist to help their baby latch.
When the time comes for a baby to stop breastfeeding, mothers shouldn’t stop all at once. It’s best to wean a baby off slowly by decreasing the feedings little by little. This will allow the breasts to gradually slow down milk production, which will help prevent engorged breasts.
Breastfeeding with engorgement is completely safe – and necessary – to prevent symptoms from worsening and to provide some relief. While the body is learning to regulate milk supply, you can use nipple shields to breastfeed at a controlled pace and prevent soreness.
Tip: Protecting your nipples while breastfeeding will certainly help, but what about inside your bra? Whether you want to give yourself a little engorgement relief or help to prevent engorgement in the first place, Philips Comfort Breast Shells fit discreetly inside your bra and protect your nipple from chaffing, as well as providing gentle pressure to help prevent engorgement.
Here are some tips breastfeeding women can use for how to help engorged breasts:1,4
Applying a warm compress can help encourage milk let down and a cold compress can help relieve pain and swelling.
Mothers should aim to encourage optimal milk flow during feedings. They can try gently massaging their breasts while nursing their baby to help stimulate milk flow and provide engorgement relief.
There may be times when breastfeeding mothers are unable to be with their little one during feedings. It is important to still empty the breast milk by expressing to help prevent breastfeeding engorgement and other issues.
Tip: When you are expressing or pumping breastmilk, or even when you are breastfeeding on one side, it is not unusual for you to experience leaking from the other breast. Make sure you are ready for anything with breast pads that will protect you from wet clothes.
It can also be helpful to change breastfeeding positions. This will help to ensure that the milk is completely drained from all areas of the breasts. Mothers can also alternate breasts during feeds to encourage the baby to empty both breasts. This guide covers a range of different breastfeeding positions that can help both mothers and babies get the most out of feeding sessions.
From answers to questions like, ‘what is breast engorgement’ and, ‘how long does engorgement last’ to tips for engorgement relief, this article has everything you need to be able to deal with breast engorgement symptoms. Remember that while some pain and discomfort is perfectly normal during breastfeeding, engorgement can be prevented, so always consult your GP if symptoms don’t go away or if they worsen.
Comfort breast shell set
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Breast pads
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