NAME: COLINIO, KATHLEEN CLAIRE D.

MANAGEMENT OF BREAST ENGORGEMENT

Breast engorgement is the development of hard, swollen, and painful breasts when too much breast milk accumulates in the milk ducts. Engorged breasts can
become extremely large, tight, lumpy, and tender. The swelling may go all the way up into your armpit, and the veins on the surface of your breasts may become
more visible or even stick out. This condition frequently occurs when breast milk first comes in, though it certainly can happen at other times as well. It can be
quite uncomfortable but can be relieved by releasing the excess milk from the breast and taking steps to ease discomfort.

CAUSE: SYMPTOMS: MANAGEMENT:

>When your milk first comes in, during the first
few days after birth,
>When you have a regular breastfeeding routine
but can't nurse or pump as much as usual.
>If you suddenly stop breastfeeding,
>When your baby suddenly starts breastfeeding
less than usual. This may happen when your baby
is starting or increasing solid foods or when your
baby is ill and has a poor appetite.
>Swollen, firm, and painful breasts. If the breasts
are severely engorged, they are very swollen, hard,
shiny, warm, and slightly lumpy to the touch.
>Flattened nipples The dark area around the
nipple, the areola, may be very firm. This makes it
hard for your baby to latch on.
>A slight fever of around 38 C (100.4 F).
>Slightly swollen and tender lymph nodes in your
armpits.
>Soften your breasts before feedings. You can
apply a warm compress for a couple of minutes
before you breastfeed. Or you can use your
hands or use a pump to let out (express) a small
amount of milk from both breasts.
>Try to breastfeed more often. If your baby won't
breastfeed, pump your breasts. At each feeding,
take care to remove enough breast milk from your
breasts to make you feel comfortable. Over
expressing can cause more breast milk to be made.
>Take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to
reduce pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is safe for
breastfeeding moms when taken as directed. But
it's a good idea to check with your doctor before
you take any kind of medicine while breastfeeding.

>If your breasts still feel uncomfortable after

nursing, try a cold compress to reduce swelling.
You can use a frozen wet towel, a cold pack, or a
bag of frozen vegetables. Apply it to your breasts
for 15 minutes at a time, every hour as needed. To
prevent damage to your skin, place a thin cloth
between your breast and the cold pack.