How Can I Prevent Episodes Of Breast Engorgement?

Did you start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth?

Do you breastfeed at least 8-12 times in 24 hours (every 2 to 3 hours)?

If you have to skip breastfeeding for any reason, do you express breast milk by hand or with a breast pump?

Do you allow your baby to nurse until it finishes each breast (you do not limit your baby's time on the breast)?

Did you make sure your baby latches on properly?

Do you gently massage and compress your breast when your baby pauses between sucks?

Do you avoid early use of bottles and pacifiers while your baby is learning to breastfeed?

Do you avoid unnecessary supplements?

If you are weaning your baby, do you know that you should wean your baby gradually over several weeks?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent episodes of breast engorgement. It is best to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. You should breastfeed your baby at least every 2 to 3 hours. Your body produces milk regularly, so if you miss feeding for any reason, you must express milk by hand or with a breast pump. It is very important that your baby latches on properly, because otherwise it will remove less milk from your breasts which can contribute to breast engorgement. You should allow your baby to finish feeding from one breast before offering the other.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent episodes of breast engorgement. Before you start breastfeeding, you should express some milk from your breast to soften it and allow your baby to latches on more easily. If your baby pauses between sucks, you can gently massage and compress your breast to improve milk flow. You should avoid early use of bottles and pacifiers as well as unnecessary supplements as this can reduce your milk supply. Breast engorgement episodes can also be the result of weaning your baby too quickly. You should slowly wean your baby so your body can adapt to the reduced needs.