A feeling of fullness is normal in the first few weeks. However, if your baby doesn’t remove enough milk from your breasts, they may become uncomfortably full, hard, or warm to the touch. This is called engorgement.
To prevent engorgement:
• Position and latch-on your baby correctly. Use the "How to Breastfeed" tab on this site for specific latch and positioning steps.
• Breastfeed on demand, 8-12 times each 24 hours.
• Avoid pacifiers and bottles during the first few weeks (so that baby effectively sucks to stimulate your milk production. Artificial nipples can be "confusing.")
• Avoid delaying or skipping feedings.
To treat engorgement:
Before feedings:
• Put a warm wet cloth on your breasts or take a warm shower to help your milk flow.
• Massage your breasts gently.
• Express some milk to soften your breast.
Between feedings:
• Put a cool cloth or an ice pack on your breasts for comfort and to help reduce swelling.
Plugged duct/breast infection:
A plugged duct is a sore area on one breast, which is caused by breastmilk not moving through the milk duct. To treat a plugged duct:
• Breastfeed often. Try different positions. Baby’s nose needs to point toward the tender spot on your breast to help remove the plug. Begin on the sore side first.
• Before a feeding, put a warm wet washcloth on your breast and massage the tender spot.
• Take care of yourself. Rest and eat well!
If you also have flu-like symptoms or have a fever, you may have a breast infection. Contact your doctor, as you may need an antibiotic.
You can and should continue breastfeeding!
Adapted from the WI Department of Health Services Division of Public Health Breastfeeding-6: Breast Soreness