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If you’re suffering from engorged breasts, it may be reassuring, especially if you’re a first time new mother, to be told that this is a positive sign that you’re producing enough milk to feed your baby & that before long & with your baby’s help, you’ll produce exactly the right amount.

Here are some hints to help you mother manage these engorged breasts:

? A warm wash or shower before breast feeding can assist to soften breasts & encourage the free flow of the milk.

? Feed your baby on demand (and with a new born every two to three hours even if it means waking your baby). This is important because unrelieved engorgement can cause a permanent & irreversible drop in your milk production.

? Feed your baby until he has had enough.

? Try to use just one breast per feed (alternating with each feed) so that the breast is completely emptied.

? Avoid giving your baby any other fluids.

? If you find any breast lumps while feeding, gently massage these towards the nipple.

? You can apply cold packs to the area after feeding ? crushed ice in a plastic bag works well. Another popular remedy is to apply cool washed cabbage leaves between feeds ? strip the main vein from 2 larger, outer leaves & cut a hole in each one for your nipple before sliding them into the cups of your bra. Cabbage has drawing properties & the cold is soothing to the tissues.

? Drink sage tea which is available from your local health food store.

? If your breasts start to feel uncomfortable & it’s over 4 hours since the last feed, then you can gently wake your baby for a feed.

? If your baby is older & sleeping for longer periods during the night, then it can be help-ful to use a breast pump to pump just enough to relieve the engorgement. If you pump too much, you’ll encourage more milk production.

? Always wear a good, comfortable & well fitting bra. This should not actually be under wired. Remove the bra completely when breast feeding. Ensure it’s not too tight & wear the bra at night as well.

? If you’re really concerned about your condition, then consult your doctor or midwife for advice & a possible mild pain reliever.

Fortunately breast engorgement passes quite rapidly ? usually within 24 to 48 hours & feeding your baby will definitely help the problem. If you’re not feeding your baby, the condition will probably worsen before it gets better… Once the engorgement passes, your breasts will be softer & you’ll feel much more comfortable. Your breasts will, how ever, still be full of milk.

Jen Carter is team member & writes regularly about breast engorgement & labor massage & other common conditions for Amoils.com.

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