|
BREAST FULLNESS VERSUS BREAST ENGORGEMENT
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
What
is the difference between breast fullness and breast engorgement?
Your
breasts become more full and heavy but stay soft during the
first 2 to 4 days after delivery. There are small amounts
of colostrum in your breasts before you deliver your baby.
Normal breast fullness happens as this colostrum changes to
larger amounts of regular breastmilk. This breast fullness
is also caused by swelling and extra blood in your breasts.
And, it usually only lasts 24 hours. Breastfeeding does not
hurt with normal breast fullness. Breast engorgement often
happens because the normal breast fullness is not taken care
of correctly.
Breast engorgement may happen if all of the milk in your breasts
is not completely removed at each feeding. Your breasts may
be hard, painful, and hot with engorgement. Your baby may
find it difficult or impossible to latch-on to your breast
correctly. This is because the areola (the dark areas around
the nipple) swells and the nipple flattens. Your medical caregiver
will need to help you if this engorgement is not relieved
(lessened) for longer than 48 hours. Breast engorgement can
cause sore nipples, plugged ducts, or a breast infection.
And, your milk supply may decrease which could cause your
baby to gain weight too slowly.
How can I prevent Breast Engorgement?
Breastfeed
your baby often, like 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. This is about
every 2 to 3 hours.
Allow your baby to breastfeed until he falls asleep or pulls
away from the breast. This is usually about 10 to 15 minutes
on each breast. Empty the first breast completely and then
offer the second breast. Express the remaining milk by hand
or with a pump if your baby is unable to completely empty
your breasts after a breastfeeding. Your breasts should feel
soft and not heavy or full after a breastfeeding. Then offer
the last breast first at the next feeding.
Do not give your baby water or formula supplements for the
first 3 to 4 weeks unless your baby's caregiver tells you
to.
Express your milk either by hand or with a pump if you miss
a breastfeeding. And, make sure you empty both breasts completely.
Wear a comfortable, good-fitting bra.
Wean your baby slowly over at least 1 to 2 weeks if possible.
Ask your caregiver for the CareNote explaining how breasts
make milk for learn ways to improve your milk "let-down."
A good let-down is very important in making sure that all
the milk is emptied from your breasts.
What do I do if I my breasts become engorged?
Take
a warm shower just before you breastfeed. Or, put warm, moist
compresses (warm wet towel) on your breasts for 2 to 5 minutes.
Hand express or pump a little milk before breastfeeding to
soften your areola and nipple if needed. This helps your baby
latch-on to your breast correctly.
Gently massage your breast before and during the breastfeeding.
Express your milk if your baby is unable to latch onto your
breast. Using a hospital-type, electric pump with intermittent,
minimum pressure is best. Only pump for 10 minutes at the
most. Repeat this every 1 to 2 hours if needed. It may help
to pump 1 breast at a time while massaging the breast at the
same time.
Put a cold compress (cold wet wash cloth) or fresh, green
cabbage leaves on the breast after breastfeeding and pumping.
Caregivers are not sure why this helps lessen engorgement
but they know that it works.
Ask your caregiver for a pain medicine that you are allowed
to take even while breastfeeding. Take this medicine about
30 minutes before you breastfeed or pump.
When should I call my caregiver? Call your caregiver if you
have any of the following problems.
Shaking
chills or a temperature over 101 degrees F (38.4 C).
Muscle aches, headache, or other flu-like symptoms.
A tender, red, swollen, or warm area in one of your breasts.
A tender, red, or sore lump in your breast.
Cracked nipples with redness, swelling, or bruising.
Pus or blood in your milk.
Unrelieved engorgement (overfull breasts) for more than 48
hours.
Can my baby's caregiver help me if I have breastfeeding questions
or problems? Ask for information about breastfeeding and make
sure caregivers know that breastfeeding is important to you.
Ask your caregiver for the name of a Lactation Consultant.
This person is specially trained to help women breastfeed
their babies. Also, ask caregivers about a breastfeeding class
before your baby is born. Or, call your hospital for more
information. Breastfeeding support groups can also help you
learn about breastfeeding your baby. Call or write one of
the following organizations for more information.
La
Leche League
PO Box 1209
Franklin Park, IL 60131-8209
Phone: 1 (800) LA-LECHE or 1 (800) 525-3243
Human Milk Banking Association of North America
Web Address: http://www.hmbana.org (To get the phone number
for your state's Human Milk Banking Association).
WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children)
Web Address: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/MENU/CONTACTS/tollfreenumbers.htm
(To get the toll free number for the WIC program in your state).
CARE AGREEMENT:
You
have the right to help plan how you are going to feed your
baby. To help with this plan, you must learn as much as you
can about breastfeeding. Ask your caregiver questions about
breastfeeding. You can talk with your caregiver about the
best way for you to feed your baby.
|
