Engorgement

To relieve discomfort from engorgement during milk coming in:

• Apply heat (warm compresses or the palm of your hand) just before breastfeeding to simulate the milk ejection reflex.

• Gently massage the breasts before breastfeeding.

• Have a nurse or lactation consultant check and, if necessary, correct the breastfeeding position and latch.

• Allow the baby to breastfeed frequently (every 2 hours or less) without limiting the duration of feedings. 

• Gently but firmly massage the engorged area during breastfeeding to promote better drainage (circular massage). The engorged area is often similar to a lump or knot that can be felt when muscles are tense. 

• Apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves after breastfeeding to reduce inflammation (15 minutes per hour).

• For significant pain, it is possible to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.).

Helping baby latch onto the breast

If the breasts become so hard that the baby is unable to latch, they need to be softened before breastfeeding.

Here are 3 different methods to achieve this:

1. Milk Expression

   Manually or with the help of a natural or electric breast pump, until the breast becomes a bit softer so that the baby can latch more easily.

2. Reverse Pressure Technique

   The best time to use this technique is one minute before putting the baby to the breast. Apply pressure to the areola at the base of the nipple. The goal is to push the interstitial fluid back towards the inside of the breast, which will soften the ligaments of the nipple-areola complex, making it easier for the baby to latch.

   Resource : L'engorgement. L'ABC de l'allaitement.

3. Using the breast pump

   Check the size of the breast shields so that only the nipple fits into the tunnel (there are different sizes available).

   How to measure:

   - Center the nipple properly in the breast shield.

   - Start the breast pump and follow the instructions in the device's user guide.

   - If you experience discomfort or pain, slightly reduce the suction strenght.

      After each use:

      - Clean the accessories with water and soap.

      - Sterilize accessories each 24 h.

      Recommended time: between 15 and 20 minutes