How to Prevent Engorgement When Breastfeeding

Engorgement is the pressure your breasts feel as they fill with milk. This fullness hardens your breasts and makes them uncomfortable to touch. Engorged breasts occur as mature milk comes in after birth and when you miss feedings.

Instructions

1

Nurse shortly after delivery. Frequent nursing in the first 2 days gives your baby colostrum. This yellow, thick milk is rich in proteins and antibodies that help your baby's growth.

2

Have your baby stay in the room with you as much as possible while you're in the hospital. This enables you to breastfeed at least eight to twelve times every 24 hours and allows you to learn his signs of hunger.

3

Latch her to your breast properly. Her body faces you as you align her so that her cheek and nose touch your breast. There are several breastfeeding positions. If cradling her to you doesn't work, try the alternatives until you find one that works for both of you.

4

Express milk using a breast pump or your hand to soften your breast and allow the milk to flow easier. Apply a warm cloth and massage your breasts. For short feeds, pumping milk fully empties your breasts to prevent engorgement.

5

Let him suckle on your breast instead of using a pacifier. Don't use formula or water during the first few weeks after birth unless recommended by a doctor. These can complicate breastfeeding and lessen your milk production if introduced too soon.

6

Wean her off slowly once you decide to stop breastfeeding. Skip one feeding and instead give her a bottle of expressed breast milk or formula. If you normally feed every 3 hours, try going 4 hours and increase in increments weekly.