The swollen, throbbing breasts that accompany the days following the birth of your baby are known as engorgement. Engorgement occurs when blood vessels swell, and the breasts become swollen with milk. The result is often painful; it makes nursing difficult, resulting in frustration and even a cessation of breastfeeding altogether. A better understanding of the various causes of engorgement gives you the tools to prevent the problem while relieving some of the pressure and pain.
Causes
The first time you experience engorgement is when your milk "comes in" after having your baby. Following the birth, your body instinctively begins to produce milk to nourish your baby, even if you don't choose to breastfeed. The breasts become filled with milk; without the proper outlet, such as pumping or feeding your baby, they remain swollen and painful until your body stops producing milk altogether
Problems
Engorgement is extremely painful, leaving your breasts swollen and tender to the touch. It can also affect your ability to feed your baby. When your breasts become engorged, your nipples flatten during the process. Flat nipples make it difficult and painful for your baby to latch on, complicating your breastfeeding session and even sometimes exacerbating your engorgement.
Prevention
Breastfeeding your baby is your best defense against engorgement. When your body's instinct to produce milk begins after your baby's born, the most natural way to reduce the amount of milk in your breasts is to feed your baby often. Your body reacts to your baby's feeding demands by producing milk specifically for her needs. It's important that you feed your baby when she's hungry for as long as she wants to establish your supply and avoid engorgement. If you have trouble breastfeeding, see a lactation consultant for tips on breastfeeding methods and schedules.
Treatment
If your breasts are already engorged with milk, find relief by expressing some of that milk to relieve the pressure in your breasts. Apply warm compresses. Stand in the shower; press your hands above and below your breast to release milk. Avoid expressing your milk fully, as it can disrupt your supply. Express only to find relief.
If engorgement is plaguing your body as you wean your baby, or if you've decided not to breastfeed at all, pump to reduce pressure whenever necessary. Reduce the amount you pump successively to slowly deplete your body's supply of breast milk. Stopping suddenly will result in engorgement, discomfort and even clogged milk ducts, which can lead to infection.
