Engorgement (Generalized swelling and pain of both breasts)

• Engorgement is most common 48 - 72 hours after birth
• Also can occur at anytime when breasts are not emptied regularly
• Breastfeed your baby more frequently (avoid the use of pacifiers).
• Hand express or briefly use a breast pump to remove a little milk before feeding your baby.
• Compress the areola with your fingers at the start of each feeding to help your baby latch-on. Milk release won't occur if your baby only latches on to the nipple.
• Pump your breasts, whenever they hurt, a feeding doesn't relieve the pain or when you must miss a feeding.
• Use cold compresses on the breasts between feedings ( A bag of frozen peas works well).
• Call your doctor or lactation consultant if: not improved after 24 hours of treatment.