Women who are breastfeeding may experience problems with breast engorgement. Breasts become sore and swollen and milk production may be affected.
What is breast engorgement?
Breast engorgement is a common problem for breastfeeding mothers. It occurs when milk accumulates in the breasts and causes pain and a feeling of swelling.
The breasts may also become hotter, redder and harder than usual. Breast engorgement is most often caused by a surge of milk, improper positioning of the baby during feeding, irregular breastfeeding or poor nipple hygiene.
How to relieve breast engorgement?
There are several ways to relieve breast engorgement. The first thing to do is to make sure your baby is latching on properly. Also, make sure you feed your baby often, as this allows your body to produce less milk and therefore reduce engorgement. You can also apply a cold gel or cold compresses on your breasts, which can help reduce pain and swelling.
Cabbage leaves are also an excellent option for relieving breast engorgement. You can apply them directly to your breasts or place them in a cloth bag to chill before applying.
When to consult a health professional?
If you have any symptoms of breast engorgementEven after trying the above solutions, it is best to consult a medical professional. A doctor can help you determine the cause of the engorgement and give you advice on how to relieve it. A midwife can also be very helpful because she knows the problems related to breastfeeding and can help you find solutions.
What are the long-term solutions?
There are several long-term solutions to reduce or prevent breast engorgement. A good hygiene nipples and a fitted bra are essential to reduce the risk of pain and swelling. You can also try massaging your breasts after each feeding to help the milk flow more easily. Other long-term solutions include wearing a headbandthe manual or mechanical massage of the breasts and taking an herbal supplement to stimulate milk production.
What methods can be used?
In some cases, you can use more radical methods to relieve breast engorgement. You can try emptying a breast using a milk pump, or you can apply a breast enema to help drain the milk. You can also take medication, but only on the recommendation of a health care professional. We can't say it enough: taking care of yourself Drinking enough water and eating nutritious foods to help relieve breast engorgement is essential.
Tips to relieve engorgement
Breast engorgement is common among breastfeeding mothers and can lead to breast pain and swelling. However, there are several methods that can be used to relieve breast engorgement, including wearing a proper bra, applying cold compresses and taking herbal supplements. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a health care professional to find the most appropriate treatment.
FAQ
How to relieve breast engorgement?
Breast engorgement can be relieved by applying warm, moist compresses to the breasts, increasing the frequency of feedings, and checking for proper positioning of the baby's mouth during feeding.
What are the symptoms of breast engorgement?
Symptoms of breast engorgement include tense and painful breasts, redness of the breasts, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, a feeling of heaviness and difficulty expressing milk.
What treatment is recommended for breast engorgement?
Recommended treatment for breast engorgement includes applying warm, moist compresses to the breasts, increasing the frequency of feedings, and keeping the baby's mouth properly positioned during feeding.
Are there any home remedies to relieve breast engorgement?
Yes, there are various home remedies that are used to relieve breast engorgement, including warm, moist compresses, adding oily tissue to your diet, and using a breast pump.
What are the risks associated with breast engorgement?
The main risks associated with breast engorgement are bacterial or fungal infection of the breasts (mastitis), stagnation of the infant's weight development and decreased breast milk production.
