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Prevention is the best cure for
engorgement. Early frequent feedings
will soften your breasts and relieve any
swelling. Introduce your baby to the
breast as soon as possible after the
birth. Offer both breasts at every
feeding. Begin on the side you offered
last. If you need to, hand-express to
keep your breasts soft.
Engorgement occurs around day 3 to day
5. Your breasts will become
swollen, hard, and painful. If this
occurs you need to express the breasts.
Babies cannot latch-on to swollen and
engorged breasts. So, start by
hand expressing to soften the breast in
order to latch the baby. Baby is your
best expresser. (If there is such a
word).
If your breasts are already leaking
freely, try a warm shower or bath to
encourage easier expression of the
breastmilk. DO NOT use warm
anything unless breasts are leaking
freely, as warm can also increase
swelling.
Ice packs, cold cabbage leaves, and cool
wash cloths can also be used to relieve
the discomfort of engorgement in order
to help the process of expression.
Ultimately your goal will be to empty
the breast of the milk that is causing
the engorgement. Baby is best.
Hand-expression is next and then
breastpumps.
If you plan to pump, please look for the
brands that sell quality breastfeeding
products. There are companies who have
"jumped on the bandwagon" of
breastfeeding and offer inferior
products, in our opinion. We
recommend Medela, Hollister/Ameda, and
Avent breastpumps. |
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Copyright 1988 - 2008 Parenting Concepts, Inc. All rights reserved |
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