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TREATMENT
Engorged breasts can be treated in several ways.
Try applying hot, moist towels to your breasts
for a few minutes, or taking a hot shower before
nursing your baby. After using moist heat, hand-expression
of milk will help soften the areola, making
it easier for the baby to latch-on to your breast.
You may also want to use gentle massage, deep
breathing, soft music or other relaxation techniques
before and during nursing. Icy cold compresses
applied to your breasts can relieve discomfort
and swelling after breastfeeding.
If your baby takes only one breast, you can
alleviate engorgement of the breast that is
not nursing by using a breastpump or by hand
expressing milk. If your baby can't latch-on
or your nipples are flattened, use a hospital-type
electric breastpump or hand expression to soften
the areola. Use moist heat and breast massage
before pumping. Continue pumping every two hours,
10 minutes per breast, until your baby can latch-on.
If your nipples remain flat, wear multiple-holed
breast shells for half an hour before breastfeeding.
This will help draw out your nipple, making
it easier for the baby to latch-on.
Avoid bottles, pacifiers and nipple shields.
These may cause nipple confusion/preference.
Wearing a proper-fitting, supporting nursing
bra will make full breasts more comfortable
and prevent the discomfort of engorgement.
 If
you have further problems, contact your health
care professional or breastfeeding specialist.
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