Breast engorgement is a term many new mothers hear but may not fully understand until they experience it themselves. It’s the uncomfortable fullness, swelling, and tightness in the breasts that often occurs a few days after delivery when milk production increases. The breasts may feel warm, hard, and tender. For some women, it can be mildly uncomfortable; for others, it’s genuinely painful. But is it normal? Yes. And more importantly, it’s manageable.
We spoke to Dr Sowmya K N, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, who explained breast engorgement, its causes, and management tips.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee defines breast engorgement as the swelling and fullness of the breasts. This condition typically occurs in the initial days following the start of lactation, resulting from increased blood flow and the onset of early milk production. Breast engorgement can happen during the first week of breastfeeding and may also arise from delayed, infrequent, or interrupted milk removal from the breasts.
Why It Happens
After childbirth, your body undergoes hormonal shifts to initiate milk production. "During the initial days, the body does not yet have an idea of how much milk your baby requires, and so it tends to overdo it. This leads to an oversupply, with increased blood supply and lymph fluid to the breast tissue, resulting in a full and stretched feeling," said Dr Sowmya. If the milk isn't expressed regularly, either by nursing or pumping, it builds up, leading to engorgement.
Also Read: Should Or Shouldn't You Breastfeed With Both Breasts In One Session?
How It Feels
Engorgement is not subtle. The breasts are heavy, stretched, and unusually firm. The skin will appear shiny, and the area around the nipple can feel too tight for the baby to latch easily. In a few cases, there may be a low-grade fever or exhaustion that has an infection-like quality, although true mastitis consists of other symptoms, such as redness and chills.
What Can Help
The key to relieving engorgement is to keep the milk moving. Here are some management tips shared by the expert that you should follow:
- Nurse frequently, ideally every 2 to 3 hours, ensuring proper latch.
- Apply warm compresses before feeding to help with let-down.
- Use cold packs between feeds to reduce swelling.
- If the baby isn’t feeding well, hand-express or pump just enough to soften the breast.
- Wear a supportive bra that doesn’t compress breast tissue too tightly.
Some women find that gentle breast massage during feeding helps with drainage. Others benefit from alternating nursing positions to ensure complete emptying. Whatever the approach, consistency is key.
What to Watch Out For
While engorgement itself is not dangerous, ignoring it can lead to complications. If the breast becomes hot, red, or you develop a high fever, consult a doctor; these may be signs of mastitis, a breast infection that requires treatment.
"Also, if engorgement persists beyond the early postpartum days, it may signal a mismatch between milk supply and baby’s feeding pattern, which can often be corrected with lactation support," advised Dr Sowmya.
Also Read: Breast Enlargement Vs Breast Engorgement: What Are The Key Differences To Know
You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong
The most important thing to know is that breast engorgement is not a sign of failure. It’s your body adapting to a new, incredible task. The discomfort means your milk is coming in, and that’s a positive step in your postpartum recovery.
Still, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. Managing engorgement early makes breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for both mother and baby. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to seek help. A lactation consultant or gynaecologist can guide you through it with personalised strategies.
Bottomline
Dr Sowmya concluded, “In those early days of motherhood, your body is doing remarkable work. Be patient with yourself, and remember: discomfort is not something you have to endure silently. With the right support, engorgement can be a temporary hurdle, not a lasting setback.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]