The body undergoes various physical changes in the first few days after giving birth, including the production of breast milk in preparation for breastfeeding.
As your milk “comes in,” you may experience breast engorgement, which occurs when the breasts become painfully swollen or overly full due to an increase in blood flow, fluid, and milk production.
Postpartum breast engorgement typically happens within the first week after giving birth; however, it may also occur as late as day nine or 10. When breasts are engorged, you may experience:
- Pain or tenderness of your breasts
- A mild fever
- Swelling of both breasts
- Hardness or firmness of the breast
- Breasts that are warm to the touch
- Flat or hard nipples
These symptoms should go away within a few days if you are breastfeeding, but you can also manage them by:
- Using a warm compress to encourage milk let down
- Applying a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling
- Hand expressing a small amount of milk to relieve pressure (Do not express too much milk as this may signal the body to produce more)
- Wearing a supportive bra
- Taking physician-approved pain medication
- Breastfeeding regularly (if you have chosen to breastfeed)
It’s important to note that you may still experience engorgement even if you have chosen not to breastfeed. If you decide not to breastfeed, your body will recognize that it doesn’t need to produce milk, and over time, your milk supply will dry up.
Managing symptoms of breast engorgement is crucial. Prolonged symptoms may indicate more serious health issues, such as mastitis. If symptoms persist for several days, contact your doctor or lactation consultant as soon as possible.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.