Engorgement of Breasts

Engorgement of the breasts is when your breasts swell due to the milk glands engorging with milk after having a baby. It does not matter if you do or do not breast feed they will become engorged. This usually occurs on the third or fourth day after delivery. Medications are no longer used to aid in the drying up process.

If you do not breastfeed, your milk will dry up and your breasts will then go back to their pre-pregnancy state or close to it. For some women, their breasts may swell up very large as if they had just gotten implants. This usually lasts for 12 - 24 hours, but may last up to 48 hours. For others, there may only be slight swelling with tenderness. It is very important to not stimulate or get the breasts in very warm water if you are not going to breastfeed. This may cause the breasts to continue producing milk and delay drying up.

If you decide to breastfeed, you try to do so before 24 hours after the baby is born. Delaying breastfeeding for 24-36 hours after birth, can cause the engorgement to be too painful to breastfeed.

What can I do to ease the pain?

One thing that you can do is wrap an ace bandage around your chest (tight, but not too tight). This will help keep the breasts from moving and causing pain.

You can also place ice packs (do not place ice packs if you are going to breastfeed), where a supportive bra (even during the night), and take mild pain relievers.

Note: If you are breastfeeding, make sure you check with your doctor about taking any medication.

How Long Does it Take for the Breasts to Dry Up?

It takes approximately 2 weeks for the breasts to completely dry up, but the engorgement period typically lasts 24-36 hours. There may be some leaking, but not very much. You may wear nursing pads to protect your clothing or avoid embarrassing situations in public. These fit into your bra and are not noticeable.

Signs of Infection:

If you have any red streaks that extend up to the armpit, you may have an infection. Fever usually begins about 4-8 hours after noticing the streaks, but you do not always have a fever. Contact your doctor!

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