Breastfeeding Obstacles

Engorgement

Engorgement is when your breasts become swollen and painful, maybe because you have missed or delayed feedings.

Your breasts feel “hard as rocks” and your baby may not be able to latch very well.

Some tips for quick relief:

• Before breastfeeding, take a warm shower or apply a warm compress
• Before or during breastfeeding, gently massage your breasts toward the nipple
• After feeding, put ice packs on your breasts for 20 minutes to help reduce swelling
• Don’t offer formula supplements, skip or stop breastfeeding. This will only make the engorgement worse.