How to Relieve Breast Engorgement While Breastfeeding

Breast engorgement is not only an uncomfortable part of becoming a new mom but it also can discourage the new mom from wanting to continue to breastfeed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sock
• Uncooked Rice
• Microwave
• Baby!!
• Boob!
• Boppy Pillow or small pillows

1. Get a clean sock and fill with uncooked rice and tie end in a knot. Microwave on high for about 1 min. to 1 min. 30 secs. CAUTION WILL BE HOT. Place sock on breast about to be used to feed baby. Rotate around breast or of long enough wrap around breast. This will help with pain and allow better milk flow.

2. 
   Football Hold

   Grab your breast pump. Pump breast to be fed upon for about 10 seconds to allow the release of some of the milk to allow an easier latch on for baby. This also helps draw out the nipple for better latching. Latch baby to breast in one of the several feeding positions. (see image)

3. 
   Cradle hold

   Allow baby to nurse as often as possible to drain the breast of milk. repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second breast. (see image for additional feeding position)

4. 
   Varied Football Hold

   Taking a warm bath or shower and pumping afterwards will allow the breast to drain any milk not consumed by baby. Massaging breast will also release milk either while feeding or pumping. (see image for additional feeding position)

5. ROTATE! Rotate feeding positions with each feeding. This will ensure drainage of all ducts around the breast and lead to faster relief of engorgement.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it up!! If you keep on it, it will get better faster!!
• Don't give up!! It may seem discouraging when your in pain but it will pass!
• Pumping will help draw out inverted and flat nipples, both of which will poke out once baby is breastfeeding regularly. After about 2 weeks.
• Use a Boppy pillow to position baby better, small pillows can also be used.
• Try laying down with baby as well, this counts as a feeding position.
• When in doubt call your lactation consultant.