Breastfeeding Engorgement
Facts about Breastfeeding and Engorgement
Despite the numerous baby formulas available on the market, there is no doubt that the best nourishment for an infant is breastfeeding, although engorgement issues, unfortunately, often accompany this usually enjoyable experience.
After months of waiting for your newborn to arrive, the anticipation of nursing your beautiful baby can bring a rush of emotions; especially if this is your first time breastfeeding. When the child first takes to the breast, it is a satisfying and uplifting time for the mother. Knowing that, by providing enriching breast milk to the child, it will have a healthy start in life is a feeling of accomplishment. It may take a few tries before both mom and infant get the process right, but normally babies are eager to begin nursing. In these initial feedings, the baby is feeding on a substance called colostrum; a thick, yellowish fluid that provides valuable antibodies, intense nutrition and a laxative effect that helps the baby to pass harmful bilirubin through stool. The colostrum gradually decreases as breast milk increases over a period of about two weeks, but those first few days provides an invaluable health benefit for the baby.
The first couple of days is also the period during which the milk glands are maturing. It is important to encourage the baby to feed often and well during the first week or so, as the production of milk is being fine tuned through frequent breastfeeding, and engorgement will be discouraged. Engorgement is a painful condition that is caused by excess milk production. It can occur within the first few days or at any other point in the nursing process. Initial engorgement is common, as the body is yet unaware of the amount of milk that will be needed. As the baby develops a more normal feeding schedule, the mother’s milk production will adjust accordingly. Later, as mom begins to assume her regular daily regimen, she may at times need to use a breast pump to express the milk the baby will need while she is away from him. This is common when the woman returns to work. If she does not express milk throughout the day, her breasts will continue to produce the milk; causing it to back up and initiate swelling, tenderness and pain in the breasts.
The effects seen and felt when engorgement occurs will be quickly noticeable. The breast will transform from being soft and pliable to very firm; the skin may appear shiny as result of it being stretched so thinly. The skin may also have a warm feeling and may throb. The nipple will also likely be affected; the tightly stretched skin will cause the nipple to flatten, making it difficult for the baby to attach. A slight fever may be experienced.
Breast engorgement can be treated, although it will be several days before the mom will feel normal again. Massaging the breast before nursing, working from the chest upward toward the nipple will help to stimulate the milk flow. Applying cool compresses to the breast several minutes before nursing will help to alleviate pain. During the feeding session, continue to massage the breast. If the breasts are still full after the feeding, more milk can be hand expressed to relieve the pressure; however, it is vital not to express too much which will encourage the body to continue producing excess milk.
The important points for a new mom to remember are that there are significant benefits passed to the baby through breastfeeding, and engorgement can easily be treated and even prevented. Nursing your baby is an extremely satisfying experience as well, and should be encouraged for all new moms.