Breast aches and pains are common after birth. The
most common type of breast discomfort occur when the
breasts become engorged or the breast ducts become
full of milk but for some reason do not empty. The
swollen, tender, hardened breasts can make feeding
an agonizing experience.
The Facts..
• Engorgement is caused by
milk's arrival, around 3-4 days after birth
• The pain can sometimes spread to the armpit
areas
• There is usually no infection
• The pain is diffused with no inflamed areas
• Nursing becomes especially uncomfortable for
the mother and quite a task for the baby if the swelling
causes the nipples to flatten
• Once a feeding routine is established (within
days), the engorgement subsides
• The pain can be relieved if prompt attention
is given
Why Engorgement & steps
to Prevent it
• It usually happens after the breasts start
to fill up with milk.
• The mother does not feed on demand perhaps
because either the baby or the mother is not in the
position or mood
• Take comfort in the fact that engorgement
usually lasts for about 2 days
• Nurse, pump or both to empty breasts often
• Do not limit the sucking time; let baby stop
nursing on her own
• Start with the heavier breast
Steps to pain Relief..
• During bath times, run the hot shower over
breasts
• Apply warm soaks to the painful areas
• Massage the areas before trying to feed or
pump to help empty the ducts
• Place ice packs or cold towels on affected
areas. This helps to reduce the swelling
• Breast massage prior to pumping will help
in the milk flow. Place a wet warm towel over the
breasts and gently massage the area using the thumb
above the nipple, forefinger and middle fingers below
the nipple very close to the areola
• Use the breast pump if you have one
• During feeding continue to use the warm napkin
over the breast and gently massage while your baby
sucks
• A good supporting nursing bra really helps
Green Cabbage leaves Method
• Many women rely on cabbage leaves to relieve
the swelling.
• Use green cabbage only
• Peel off the leaves and wash them before use.
You may use them chilled or at room temperature
• The veins should be flattened with a rolling
pin
• Place the leaves directly on the breasts or
inside the bra (avoid using leaves on irritated skin
or if you are allergic to sulphur or cabbage)
• Leave it on for about half an hour; as you
start to feel relief remove the leaves as it is known
to reduce the milk supply
The occasional Blocked
Duct
• Engorgement or tight clothes can cause a duct
to become blocked; this results in a hard red patch
on the exterior where the duct is located.
• You may feel feverish
• Blocked duct is preventable by feeding and
emptying your breasts often
• Ensure you wear a proper bra, one that fits
well
• If you do get a blocked duct, offer to feed
or express milk from the affected breast first
• Massage the lumpy area gently as your baby
feeds
• If there is no improvement in 24 hours, a
mild antibiotic will be required to clear the infection
Engorgement when you are
not feeding..
• Breasts become engorged or overfilled with
milk whether the mother chooses to feed or not; it
is the design of Mother Nature
• Previously drugs were used to suppress lactation;
these days due to the side effects of the drugs, postpartum
breast engorgement is left to resolve itself
• The simple logic is if the milk is not used,
production will automatically cease
• Some women may experience light leaking for
several days or even weeks
• in the interim remember the ice packs, supportive
bras and the cabbage leaves to help with the discomfort
• Avoid hot showers as this encourages milk
flow
