Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full. They may feel hard, tight and painful.

“In the early days, engorgement can be due to your milk coming in and your newborn not feeding as much as perhaps they need to,” says – Bridget Halnan.

  • Wear a well-fitting breastfeeding bra that doesn’t restrict your breasts

  • Put warm flannels on your breasts just before hand expressing if they’re leaking

  • Apply chilled cabbage leaves to your breasts after feeding or expressing to reduce the pain and swelling (the evidence on the benefits of this method is weak, but it may work for some women)

  • Take some paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose to ease the pain (these are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding)