NEWBORN : WEEK 2 - Engorged breasts

What is it?

Two to three days after you give birth, you may find that your breasts feel swollen, tender, throbbing, lumpy, and uncomfortably full. Sometimes the swelling extends all the way to your armpit. You may run a low-grade fever, too. Don't worry — as terrible as it sounds, it truly is temporary.
What causes it?

Within 72 hours after you give birth, an abundance of breast milk "comes in" or becomes available to your baby. As that happens, more blood flows to your breasts and some of the surrounding tissue swells. The result? Full, swollen, engorged breasts. Not every postpartum mom experiences true engorgement. Some women's breasts become only slightly full, but others find their breasts have grown astonishingly big and hard. Some women hardly notice the pain, as they are so involved in all the aspects of the first few postpartum days — from exhaustion to awe at having a newborn.
How can I treat it?

First, keep in mind that engorgement is a positive sign: You're producing milk to feed your baby, and soon, with his help, you'll produce the right amount. Until then:

• Wear a supportive nursing bra, even at night. Be sure it isn't too tight.

• Nurse frequently — every two to three hours — even if it means waking your baby. (This is especially important because unrelieved engorgement can cause a permanent drop in your milk production.) Try to get the first side as soft as possible. If your baby is satisfied with just one breast, you can offer the other breast at the next feeding.

• Avoid having your baby latch on and suckle when the areola — the dark area around your nipple — is very firm. To reduce the possibility of nipple damage and to help your baby latch on, manually express or pump milk until your areola softens. It may be easier to manually express milk in the shower; the warm water by itself may cause enough leakage to soften the areola.

• Avoid pumping milk except when you need to soften the areola or when your baby is unable to latch on. Excessive or habitual pumping can lead to overproduction of milk and prolonged engorgement.

• While your baby's nursing, gently massage the breast he's on. This encourages milk to flow and will help relieve some of the tightness and discomfort.

• To soothe the pain and help relieve swelling, apply cold packs to your breasts for a short period after nursing. Crushed ice in a plastic bag works well.

• Some women find relief by applying fresh green cabbage leaves to their breasts. Strip the main vein from two larger, outer leaves and cut a hole in each one for your nipple. Rinse and dry them before laying them on your breasts or sliding them into the cups of your bra.

• If you're really in pain, take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a mild pain reliever prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Don't apply direct heat, such as warm washcloths, heating pads, or hot water bottles, to your engorged breasts unless it's to soften the areola and help your milk letdown. Instead of alleviating the pain, this may make the condition worse.

• Look ahead: You'll get past this engorgement and soon be able to enjoy your breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
How long does it last?

Fortunately, engorgement passes pretty quickly. You can expect it to diminish in 24 to 48 hours, and nursing your baby will help it go away. If you're not nursing, it probably will get worse before it gets better. Once the engorgement passes, your breasts will be softer, although still full of milk.
Can I still nurse?

You can and should nurse. Unrelieved engorgement can cause a permanent drop in your milk production, so it's important to nurse frequently right off the bat. If possible, breastfeed your baby immediately after he's born, and nurse often from that point on. Watch your baby for signs of hunger, such as sucking his fist and becoming restless. If he's crying, he's already worked up an appetite.
Will it affect my baby?

No — except that you may be even more inclined to feed him as much and as often as you can.

Posted in: NEWBORN