Breast engorgement is a phrase many new moms learn about but perhaps don't fully realise until it occurs to them. It's the painful fullness, swelling, and tightness of the breasts that usually happens after a few days post-birth when milk production boosts. 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 KN, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Gleneagles, BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, who explained breast engorgement, who explained its causes, symptoms, and treatment measures.
What Is Breast Engorgement?
According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee, breast engorgement refers to the swelling and fullness of the breasts, usually experienced in the early days of breastfeeding. This condition is often caused by increased blood flow and the production of early milk. It can occur within the first week of lactation and may also result from delayed, infrequent, or interrupted milk removal from the breasts.
Causes Of Breast Engorgement
“After giving birth, the body experiences hormonal changes to stimulate milk production. For the first few days, the body is not aware of how much milk the baby will require, so it tends to overdo it. This leads to an oversupply, with increased blood circulation and lymph fluid to the breast tissue, which gives the area that stretched, full sensation. If the milk is not expressed on a regular basis, either through nursing or pumping, it accumulates and creates engorgement,” explained Dr Sowmya.
Also Read: Left Breast Pain: Most Common Explanations Behind It
Symptoms Of Breast Engorgement
Engorgement is not subtle. The breasts are heavy, stretched, and abnormally firm. The skin can appear shiny, and the tissue surrounding the nipple can be too tight for the baby to latch on easily. A low-grade fever or fatigue that resembles infection can be present in some instances, although actual mastitis includes other symptoms, such as redness and chills.
What Can Help
The key to relieving engorgement is to keep the milk moving.
- Nurse frequently, ideally every 2-3 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 report that gentle breast massage during feeding assists with drainage. Others use the alternate nursing positions to help ensure they empty completely. Whatever method is chosen, consistency is key.
What to Watch Out For
While engorgement itself is not dangerous, ignoring it can lead to complications. “If the breast feels warm, red, or if you have a high fever, visit a doctor. These are potential indicators of mastitis, an infection of the breast that needs to be treated. And if engorgement does not resolve within the first few days postpartum, it could indicate an imbalance between milk supply and the baby's feeding pattern, which can often be resolved with lactation assistance,” added Dr Sowmya.
Also Read: Breast Enlargement Vs Breast Engorgement: What Are The Key Differences To Know
You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong
Perhaps the most important thing to know is this: 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.
“In those first days of motherhood, your body is doing incredible things. Be gentle with yourself, and remember: pain is not something you must suffer in silence. With proper support, breast engorgement can be a temporary challenge, not a permanent obstruction,” concluded Dr Sowmya.
[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.]