What should I do if my breasts swell and hurt during breastfeeding?

During the breastfeeding period, many mothers will take various supplements to increase their breast milk supply in order to prevent the baby from being hungry. However, if the breast milk supply is high but the baby's appetite is small, it will cause milk accumulation and cause milk engorgement. In this case, you can squeeze the milk into a bottle, apply a towel dipped in hot water to the breast, etc. The following is a detailed introduction to how to deal with milk engorgement.

1. Massage

This is a more effective method, and it is best to massage the breasts after applying hot compress. There are many ways to massage the breasts. The general method is to hold one breast with both hands, and massage alternately from the bottom of the breast to the nipple, first massage clockwise for 30 circles and then counterclockwise for 30 circles. Be careful to squeeze the remaining milk into a container. If you are not sure or it is inconvenient, you can go to a professional obstetrician and gynecologist for massage.

2. Hot compress

If a breastfeeding woman only has a slight feeling of breast swelling, she can use a hot towel or hand warmer (not too hot to the touch) to apply heat to the nipples and area around the areola (be careful to avoid the areola and nipple areas as the skin in these two areas is more tender). It can make the milk lumps blocking the breast become unobstructed and improve breast circulation. Apply hot compress for about 15 minutes each time, 3-5 times a day, and the symptoms of breast engorgement will be significantly alleviated.

3. Soak the breasts in warm water.

Pour a basin of warm water and place it on your knees. Bend your upper body to your knees, soak your breasts in the basin, and gently shake your breasts. Gravity will allow the milk to flow out more easily. This can relieve the symptoms of breast engorgement.

4. Use a breast pump to express milk

If the milk is swollen and painful, you should use a breast pump to manually or electrically express the milk to avoid milk congestion. If a breastfeeding mother's milk engorgement persists, she should use a breast pump in time, otherwise it will easily cause breast inflammation and she will need an IV drip.

Breastfeeding tips

1. What should you do if your baby bites your nipple while feeding? It is actually very simple. Remember not to pull it. Press the baby's nose and mouth together on the breast. The baby will let go when he can't breathe!

2. Babies like to be held. Once they are held, they cannot be put down and will cry non-stop if they are put down. It is not difficult to prevent babies from being annoying. Do not pick up the baby to comfort him when it is not necessary. Once the baby gets used to being held, he will cry non-stop if you do not hold him for a while. Do not pick up the baby casually when feeding. It is good for the baby to cry for a short period of time.

3. Babies need breast milk, but what if the mother is away for some reason? It doesn't matter, you can still breastfeed. Use a breast pump to extract the milk and store it in the refrigerator. It will be absolutely fresh for 24 hours at 0-10 degrees. Wait until it is heated to the appropriate temperature and feed it to the child with a bottle.