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| Main > Breastfeeding Center > Breastfeeding Problems
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Engorgement
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| Breasts can commonly become engorged and swollen, and even tender or throbbing in some women, two or five days after your baby is born. In addition to causing pain, engorgement can also make it difficult for your baby to latch-on to your breasts and it can cause your nipples to flatten or leak.
Some tips to help prevent and treat engorgement include:
- take a hot shower or use a heating pad before feedings
- gently massage toward the nipple while your baby is breastfeeding
- use cold compresses or an ice pack after feedings
- soften the areola by expressing some milk with your hand before your baby latches on.
- gently massage your breasts during feedings or before a feeding
- engorgement can sometimes be prevented if you baby is latching on and feeding frequently and effectively.
- wear a loose fitting supportive nursing bra
- make a compress from cabbage leaves and apply to your breasts for about 30 minutes
- wear breast shells (although this can lead to sore nipples) about a half hour before feedings
- consider pumping for a short period of time if the above methods don't work
Engorgement usually improves with the above measures in 1 in 10 days. If it is not improving or it is interfering with breastfeeding, then call your doctor of lactation consultant for treatment.
Breastfeeding Resources:
- When Latching: a great guide to latching on effectively when breastfeeding, with pictures and step by step instructions.
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