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All of the following can cause engorgement:
* poor latch-on or positioning
* trying to limit feeding times or infrequent feedings
* giving supplementary bottles of water, juice, formula, or breast milk
* overusing a pacifier
* changing the breastfeeding schedule to return to work or school
* baby changing the breastfeeding pattern by beginning to sleep through the night or breastfeed more often during one part of the day and less often at other times
* having a baby that has a weak suck who is not able to breastfeed effectively
* fatigue, stress, or anemia in the mother
* an overabundant milk supply
* nipple damage
* breast abnormalities
Engorgement can lead to plugged ducts or a breast infection, so it is important to try to prevent it before this happens. If treated properly, engorgement should only usually last for one to two days.
Source: Office on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It is normal for your breasts to become larger, heavier, and a little tender when they begin making greater quantities of milk on the 2nd to 6th day after birth. Sometimes this fullness may turn into engorgement, when your breasts feel very hard and painful. You also may have breast swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness, throbbing, and flattening of the nipple. Engorgement sometimes also causes a low-grade fever and can be confused with a breast infection. Engorgement is the result of the milk building up, and usually happens during the third to fifth day after birth. This slows circulation, and when blood and lymph move through the breasts, fluid from the blood vessels can seep into the breast tissues.
All of the following can cause engorgement:
* poor latch-on or positioning
* trying to limit feeding times or infrequent feedings
* giving supplementary bottles of water, juice, formula, or breast milk
* overusing a pacifier
* changing the breastfeeding schedule to return to work or school
* baby changing the breastfeeding pattern by beginning to sleep through the night or breastfeed more often during one part of the day and less often at other times
* having a baby that has a weak suck who is not able to breastfeed effectively
* fatigue, stress, or anemia in the mother
* an overabundant milk supply
* nipple damage
* breast abnormalities
Engorgement can lead to plugged ducts or a breast infection, so it is important to try to prevent it before this happens. If treated properly, engorgement should only usually last for one to two days.
Source: Office on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Date Added: 2009-04-13 Views : 137