Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement: Why does this happen and what to do?

Breast engorgement is a common phenomenon that occurs in many women after childbirth. It is characterized by an increase in the size and tenderness of the mammary glands on the 3-4th day after birth. This occurs due to excess milk production and disruption of its outflow.

Causes of breast engorgement

Breast engorgement is usually associated with changes in hormone levels in a woman’s body. During pregnancy and after childbirth, the level of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, increases sharply. This leads to excess milk production in the mammary glands. However, if milk is not produced and does not come out, stagnation occurs, causing soreness and an increase in the size of the mammary glands.

In addition, breast engorgement can be caused by improper breastfeeding techniques or the use of bras that are too tight.

How to deal with breast engorgement

If you are faced with the problem of breast engorgement, there are several ways that can help deal with this problem.

1. Frequent breastfeeding. Frequent feeding will help reduce milk stagnation and promote milk flow. It is necessary to feed the baby on demand and not limit feeding time.

2. Breast massage. Massaging the mammary glands will help increase blood circulation and improve milk flow. The massage should be soft and not painful.

3. Using hot compresses. Hot compresses help increase blood circulation in the mammary glands and promote milk flow. Compresses can be done before feeding or massaging the mammary glands.

4. Avoiding bras that are too tight. Bras that are too tight can put pressure on the mammary glands, causing milk stagnation. It is necessary to choose bras with soft cups and wide straps.

5. Drink more fluids. Drinking enough fluids helps increase milk volume and promotes milk flow.

If you cannot cope with breast engorgement on your own, seek help from your doctor or lactation consultant. They may be able to offer additional tips and advice to help you deal with this problem.

In conclusion, breast engorgement is a common problem for many women after childbirth, which is associated with excess milk production and impaired milk flow. However, there are various ways that can help deal with this problem, such as breastfeeding frequently, massaging the breasts, using hot compresses, avoiding too-tight bras, and drinking more fluids. If you experience severe pain or other problems, you should contact your doctor or lactation consultant for help. It is important to understand that breast engorgement is normal and can be successfully overcome with the right techniques and support.

Breast engorgement (mastodynia) is a common problem after childbirth. This occurs due to the fact that after pregnancy, milk begins to be actively produced in the mammary glands, which cannot be fully released. The reason for this may be the anatomical features of the breast, improper attachment of the baby to the breast, traumatic injuries to the breast during childbirth and other factors. Engorgement can cause a woman great discomfort and can also affect her mood and quality of life. However, this condition can be treated, and success often depends on careful diagnosis and proper care. In this article we will look at the main causes of breast engorgement after childbirth, their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Causes of engorgement

There are several reasons that cause breast engorgement. The main reason is excessive milk production during lactation. Therefore, it is recommended to express your breasts until they are completely empty - this will not only reduce pain, but also prevent congestion. Another reason could be a problem with the flow of milk, which causes milk to accumulate and cause pain.

Incorrect breastfeeding can also cause engorgement. For example, if a baby latches onto the breast incorrectly or frequently pulls away from it, this can cause painful engorgement. A disorder of the mother's nervous system can also be the cause of breast engorgement.

When to see a doctor

If you have problems with your breasts, you need to seek help from a mammologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and ultrasound to determine the cause of the engorgement and prescribe treatment. If the doctor determines that it is mastitis - an acute inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, accompanied by pain, fever and redness of the affected part of the gland - he may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, breastfeeding is permitted. But it is better not to breastfeed while on antibiotics. You can feed expressed breast milk.