Engorgement of a Mother After Delivery

Engorgement of a Mother After Delivery breasts may become fuller, larger, heavier, firmer and swollen on the third to fourth day following delivery. This is caused by an increased flow of blood to the breasts, swelling of the surrounding tissue, and the increase in your milk volume as your breast milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk. During engorgement, you may need to use a larger bra for a few days until your breasts return to normal size. Some women’s breasts may feel swollen and uncomfortable, while others will feel only slightly full. Breast swelling usually begins to lessen within 24 to 48 hours from the time of onset.

Some Effective Treatment Measures for Engorgement:

• To help soothe and reduce swelling of engorged breasts, apply cold compresses to the breasts.  Reducing the swelling will help the engorgement to subside faster.
• This triggers blood vessels to constrict and helps with swelling and draining and soothes any discomfort.
• The two most convenient ways to apply cold to the breasts are by:
  • Using ice packs outside the bra for periods of 20 to 30 minutes at a time
  • Using “icy” diapers. Icy diapers are disposable diapers moistened well with water and placed in your refrigerator or freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. These cold “icy” diapers are applied outside the bra until they lose their chill. The diapers can be stored in the refrigerator for reuse after the next feeding. If you leak milk while wearing the icy diapers, throw away the diapers and replace with new ones.

• Never apply an ice pack directly on the skin.
• If you are breastfeeding, use cold compresses between nursing or pumping.