How long does breast engorgement usually last?

Breast engorgement may last for 3-5 days after labour and balances out after a few days. Prolonged engorgement is a case of concern, and you should consult a healthcare professional if it persists.

Can you pump milk when the breasts are engorged?

Yes, you can. However, over-pumping can increase milk production and engorgement, so you should be careful.

Should I wake my baby to nurse if my breasts are engorged?

Yes. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, and if your baby has already received enough sleep, then it's perfectly okay to wake them up for a feeding. If you're experiencing significant discomfort and your baby has been asleep for more than 3 hours in the early days, waking them for a feed is okay. This not only helps relieve engorgement but also supports milk supply and the baby's growth.

Relieve Breast Engorgement: Postpartum Tips for New Moms

After birth, you may experience fuller, warmer, and more sensitive breasts for the first few days. Although this change is part of what your body goes through regarding milk production, it can easily turn into something quite unpleasant, and these sensations may indicate breast engorgement.

Breast engorgement is common between days 2 to 5 postpartum when your mature milk begins to "come in." The condition is usually temporary, but if not treated in time, it can interfere with breastfeeding and even expose you to higher infection risks. That's why it's so vital for you to understand how to manage it early on.

What Is Breast Engorgement?

Engorgement occurs when your breasts become overly full with milk and experience increased blood flow, leading to vascular congestion. In the long run, this results in swelling, firmness, and sometimes pain. You could also feel that your breasts are:

Heavy or tight
Warm or slightly hot to the touch
Tender or painful
Shiny or stretched

In some cases, the swelling may extend into your armpits, and your nipples may flatten, making the latching process more difficult.

Why Breast Engorgement Happens

During the early postpartum period, your body prepares for the demands of breastfeeding. At first, it overproduces milk, more than what your baby needs. This excess supply, along with blood and lymphatic fluid in tissues, causes congestion or engorgement.
Common triggers include:

Delayed or infrequent feeding
Improper latching
Sudden changes in feeding frequency
Skipping feeds or supplementing with formula without expressing milk

Tips For Managing Breast Engorgement

Let’s look at some of the best tips to manage breast engorgement

Tip 1: Feed frequently and on demand: One of the best ways to avoid an engorged breast is frequent feeding. Aim to feed babies every 2–3 hours, even at night (especially in the early days). Let your baby nurse from one breast for as long as it needs before turning to the other. The more often the breasts are drained, the less chance there is for milk to build up and cause pressure.
Tip 2: Ensure a good latch: A shallow or ineffective latch can prevent your baby from fully draining the breast, leaving milk behind, which contributes to engorgement. Take the time to position your baby well and ensure a deep latch.
Signs of a good latch in babies include:

An open mouth.
Chin and breast touching.
Lips flanged outward.
Rhythmic sucking and swallowing.

Tip 3: Use cold compresses between feeds: To reduce swelling and pressure, try a cold compress for 15–20 minutes between feeds or an ice pack. Cold reduces swelling and numbs the area, providing a lot of relief.
You can use:

A bag of frozen peas
A cold gel pack
A chilled cabbage leaf

Tip 4: Hand express or pump for relief: If your baby is not feeding effectively or you're feeling uncomfortably full, hand expression or pumping can help relieve pressure. Just express enough to soften the breast and make latching easier; pumping too much or too frequently can increase milk supply beyond your baby's needs, potentially leading to more engorgement..
Hand expressing before a feed can also help if your nipple has flattened due to swelling. This way, the baby can latch on more efficiently
Tip 5: Use warm compresses: Some pre-feeding techniques, like a warm compress or hot shower, can improve milk flow. Warmth is most helpful right before nursing, not afterwards.
Tip 6: Try gentle breast massage: You can gently massage your breasts in circular motions while feeding or expressing milk. Start from the outer areas and move toward the nipple. This helps with milk drainage and may prevent blocked ducts.
Avoid deep or rough massage, which can damage sensitive breast tissue. Think of it more as a light-guiding motion than a deep tissue treatment.
Tip 7: Wear a supportive but not tight bra: You might be tempted to go without a bra when your breasts are tender, but some light support can be helpful. A well-fitting, non-restrictive nursing bra supports the weight of full breasts and reduces discomfort. Tight garments like bras with underwire can restrict the breast tissues and cause more discomfort.
Tip 8: Self-care is the best care: Taking care of yourself is a vital part of supporting your breastfeeding journey. Prioritising self-care helps you stay strong and nurtures both you and your baby. Make sure that you get proper food, sleep, and water. Eating nourishing meals and getting enough rest can support healthy milk production and flow. Prioritising your well-being helps your body take care of your baby, too.
Tip 9: Check for infections: Prolonged cases of breast engorgement can lead to other problems like mastitis, so it is important to check for infections.
Watch out for:

Red, hot, or hardened areas on the breast
Fever or chills
Flu-like symptoms
Pain that worsens rather than improves

Tip 10: Avoid skipping feeds or using a formula without expressing: When you're tired or overwhelmed, skipping a breastfeeding session or substituting with formula might seem more straightforward. But doing this without expressing milk can lead to further engorgement. Your breasts respond to supply and demand; the less milk removed, the more pressure builds up.
If you need to miss a feed or use formula for any reason, express milk manually or with a pump around the same time. This helps maintain your supply and prevents the discomfort that comes with backed-up milk.
Breast engorgement can be one of the more unexpected challenges in your early postpartum experience. While it's a sign that your body is producing milk, a good thing, it can also bring discomfort that may interfere with breastfeeding and your sense of well-being.

FAQs on Tips for Managing Breast Engorgement in Early Days

How long does breast engorgement usually last?
Breast engorgement may last for 3-5 days after labour and balances out after a few days. Prolonged engorgement is a case of concern, and you should consult a healthcare professional if it persists.
Can you pump milk when the breasts are engorged?
Yes, you can. However, over-pumping can increase milk production and engorgement, so you should be careful.
Should I wake my baby to nurse if my breasts are engorged?
Yes. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, and if your baby has already received enough sleep, then it's perfectly okay to wake them up for a feeding. If you're experiencing significant discomfort and your baby has been asleep for more than 3 hours in the early days, waking them for a feed is okay. This not only helps relieve engorgement but also supports milk supply and the baby's growth.