Breastfeeding a baby is a beautiful and natural approach. In addition to providing both mother and child with a number of benefits, breast milk is also highly convenient. However, a common complaint for mothers who choose to breastfeed is known as engorgement, which can be uncomfortable for the mother. Another problem with engorged breasts is that with them being full of milk, this can make it difficult for the baby to latch onto the nipple.
Just remember that engorgement is common, not permanent, and there are a number of solutions for making it easier. This reaction of the breasts occurs from the breasts being too full. If the baby is nursing as much and often as he or she should be, then you may have little to no problem. However, if you have a baby that does not follow a good schedule for feeding, or if you happen to be someone who naturally produces a significant amount of milk, then engorged breasts is likely.
When the breasts become too full, they can become very painful. To prevent this problem, we would recommend that you invest in a good breast pump. Then just prior to feeding your baby, express some, which can be frozen in sterile plastic bags and used for another feeding or even given to a milk bank. In addition to keeping the amount of stored milk down, this also makes it much easier for your baby to feed, which would promote a better feeding schedule.
Another option if you experience engorged breasts is to stand in a warm shower, allowing the water to fall gently on the breasts. Even a warm washcloth placed on the breasts can be enough to start the flow of milk so some of the pressure is released. If you find that the warmth bothers you, consider using cool clothes, which can provide some ease of discomfort. For extremely bad cases of engorgement, ice packs used on the breasts between feedings along with expressed milk will help.
Sometimes, sitting in the same position every time you breastfeed can create a slight problem so you might also consider different positions, just as long as the baby is supported and able to nurse while breathing. Then, to encourage the flow of milk while also helping ease any pain, you can massage the breasts starting under the arm, working your way toward the nipple. Typically, engorgement will only last a short time while your body is adjusted to supply and demand.
Although engorgement is common and can be very uncomfortable, it will pass. If you have tried everything mentioned but nothing seems to help, talk to your doctor. The one thing you want to avoid is taking any kind of pain reliever for the engorged breasts in that this medication would only be passed on to the baby through the milk.