Breastfeeding - Challenges! - Breast Engorgement

Right after the child is born, in just few hours a mother starts to produce Colostrum. Colostrum is rich in antibodies, it has many white cells that fight against infection, it helps in clearing meconium, prevents jaundice, it is rich in Vitamin A and also helps the intestine of the babies to mature. So it is very important that the babies are breastfed right after they are born. The often the better... 

Only right when the mature milk starts coming in (usually after 3-4 days a child is born), does the mother have the possibility of facing Breast Engorgement. But don't worry Moms!! being a little meticulous you will sail through the initial few days very smoothly. The good news is, usually this condition does not happen once the feeding is well established (after 20-30 days).

Mommy Elephant and Baby Elephant bonding! 

This picture was taken in Dubare Elephant Camp, Near Madikeri, Karnataka. I just thought this picture would make this post more Jazzy!

Symptoms

• Breasts become extremely heavy, hard and painful. 
• Nipples become very tight that the baby has difficulty suckling. (The baby keeps crying by not being able to latch on to the areola despite all your effort trying to feed the baby)
• Breasts may look red
• Mother might run a temperature

Causes

• Abundant milk supply
• Poor latching mechanism
• Infrequent feeds
• Restricted length of feeds

Treatment 

• The moment you feel that your breasts are getting engorged or for that matter even full, you should try to feed the baby if the baby is able to suckle. 
• If the baby is not able to suckle, it is best to express the milk from the breasts right away. If you have a breast pump nothing like that, use it to express the milk NOW. If you do not have a breast pump, express the milk manually. Expressing out even few ml (10 - 20ml) of milk can make the nipple supple for the baby to suckle. And so the mother should be able to breast feed after the nipple becomes supple. 
• If the mother (with engorged breasts) has severe pain as she feeds/expresses, she can be recommended to have a warm shower or to have a warm compress on her breasts. It is not only very soothing but also enhances the feeling of let-down.
• If the fever persists beyond 24 hours along with chills, rush to the doctor immediately.  

The best way to avoid breast engorgement is to feed the baby every two hours during the day and every four hours during the night. The more the number of feeds, the more often the breasts will be emptied. Also, ensure that the baby empties the breast completely before she is put on the other breast (An empty breast is usually light and soft). During the initial few days your baby is still learning the art of suckling, so she could take a long time to get the milk out of the breast. Let her suckle as long as she 

wants to, say around 30-45 minutes, never more. And also as long as you hear her swallowing milk! 

More on breastfeeding challenges to follow...