Engorgement

When your milk comes in (between day 2 and 5 of baby’s life), your boobs may feel FULL. Like solid rocks attached to your chest. It can be shocking and uncomfortable to say the least. 

Now it’s time for your body to learn how much milk to make. At first, you may have too much milk which can cause engorgement for a few days. Your body will learn over the first 4-6 weeks what the right amount is for your baby, based on what your baby drinks. It is essential not to take out extra milk while your supply is regulating (i.e. by pumping more than your baby needs). This will just cue to your body that you need to make more milk than necessary, which can lead to more problems (like prolonged engorgement and plugged ducts).

What to do?

  • You can hand express to relieve discomfort (just until the breast is softened). This feels especially nice in a hot shower. Remember not to overdo the stimulation though, so you don’t increase your supply.

  • Give it time. Your body will come back into balance within a few days.

  • Cabbage leaves applied directly to breasts inside a loose fitting bra to hold them in place. Cabbage leaves don’t necessarily decrease the milk supply but helps to reduce the discomfort.

When to get help

Contact a lactation consultant or health care provider if:

  • Engorgement is not relieved by these measures and does not resolve within 1-2 days

  • You feel any hot spots or localized pain and are concerned about a plugged duct or mastitis

  • You see a red line on the breast or patches of redness

  • Baby can’t latch or doesn’t have enough wet/dirty diapers

  • You have any questions

Want to talk with a lactation consultant?