What is Engorgement?

After delivery, your breasts may become more full and heavy. Engorgement is when the breasts are so full that they become hard and painful, and the baby may have trouble latching. It happens as your body shifts from the first stage of lactation (which starts during pregnancy) to the second stage, when your milk starts “coming in” shortly after the delivery of your baby. This leads to an increased volume of fluid in between your breast tissues, which can cause pain and other symptoms.

Even if you choose NOT to breastfeed, you may still experience this.

Engorgement can also happen any time during lactation when there is a mismatch between the amount of milk being produced and removal of that milk.

Symptoms:

Swelling of both breasts, especially in the lower areas (farthest from your chest)

Pain in your breasts, sometimes severe.

Breasts that feel firm or hard.

Difficult for your baby to latch on for breastfeeding.

Less commonly, sweating, fever and chills.

Tips for Engorgement:

• Breastfeed first from the engorged breast.

• Before feedings, encourage your milk flow.

  • Put a warm, moist washcloth on your breasts or take a warm shower for 10-20 minutes.

  • Try Reverse Pressure Softening, gentle massage or breast gymnastics (see video)!

• If your breast is hard, hand express or pump a little milk before nursing.

  • Be sure to only express enough milk to soften your breasts or provide comfort.

**Expressing too much milk may encourage more milk production and further engorgement.

• Between feedings, put cold compresses on your breasts to help reduce swelling and pain.

For most moms, engorgement usually goes away in a few days with the tips provided on this page. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days or worsen contact your Doctor. Engorgement can lead to other issues like plugged ducts or breast infection.

More on Plugged Ducts and Mastitis

For questions or concerns you can contact the Peer Helper at the WIC office at 937-207-3710 or the Ohio Breastfeeding Hotline: