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Breastfeeding Guidance

Question

My breasts are swollen and it's painful to breastfeed. What can I do?

Answer

Your doctor or breastfeeding consultant will refer to this condition as “engorgement.” When your milk first comes in, many mothers experience mild to moderate engorgement. The swelling occurs because your breastmilk production isn’t synchronized with your baby’s intake yet. In time your breasts will produce in response to your baby’s need.

Another reason your breasts may be swollen is because you’re not breastfeeding often enough or you’re breastfeeding inconsistently.

Here are some helpful tips to alleviate engorgement:

  • Apply warmth. Before breastfeeding apply very warm, moist heat packs to your breasts for 10 minutes or take a warm shower, allowing the water to splash onto your breasts. Some moms find taking a warm bath very helpful because it’s relaxing and eases tension.
  • Massage and express. Massage your breasts for several minutes. Then hand-express or pump breastmilk for several minutes on each breast to soften the areola. This will help you keep your breastmilk supply consistent and may also help your baby latch on.
  • Be consistent. Breastfeed consistently every 2 to 3 hours to help synchronize your milk production to your baby’s intake.

Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard
Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra
José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin
Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger
Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

 
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