Breast changes during and after pregnancy (BCC148) [PDF]

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26 | Possible breast problemsEngorgementBreast engorgement is over-fullness of the breast and is acommon problem. Approximately two to three days after givingbirth the woman’s breasts fill with milk and as part of this thebreasts become heavy and swollen. Breast engorgement occursif the baby removes less milk from the breast when feedingthan the amount that the mother produces. Some women havedescribed their breasts as feeling hard, warm and throbbing.Breast engorgement generally happens after the first few dayswhen the milk first comes into the breasts or later on when thereis a longer time between feeds. It can also happen if the breastsare not fully emptied, if the baby is having difficulty attachingto the breast or if you have decided not to breastfeed or ifbreastfeeding is suddenly stopped.If you are continuing to breastfeed, engorgement can be treatedby feeding on demand and altering the feeding position to ensurethe breast is being fully emptied. If the baby is not able to emptythe breast you may find it useful to express by hand or pump themilk away using a breast pump (these can either be electronicor hand held). Your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeedingcounsellor will be able to show you how to hand express.Some women have found massaging the breast in a circularmotion down to the nipple as the baby feeds useful in ensuringthe breast is fully emptied. Other women have found placing icepacks (covered with a towel or flannel) on the breast after feedinghelpful in reducing the swelling.Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Breast changes during and after pregnancy | 27‘I had very engorged breasts in the early days which Imanaged to soothe with hot flannels and paracetamol.A hot shower or bath also helped as it caused some ofthe milk to leak out which eased the pressure.’Sanchia‘I generally relieved engorgement by expressing orfeeding the baby so it gradually corrected itselfalthough if I missed a feed it would return.’Jojo‘I experienced some engorgement initially, but it wentif I fed my baby or had a bath.’RachelCall our Helpline on 0808 800 6000
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Breast changes during and after pregnancy (BCC148) [PDF]

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