A New Beginning

ENGORGEMENT Your breasts may become heavier and swollen 3 to 4 days postpartum. This is caused by an increased flow of blood to the breasts, swelling of the surrounding tissue, and the accumulation of milk. This can be uncomfortable for some women. You may experience a throbbing sensation and discomfort with the milk ejection reflex or let-down. Some women will feel only slightly full. All women are different in their experiences. Breast swelling usually lessens within 24 to 48 hours.

Breastfeeding

Some effective treatment measures for engorgement

Care of the Breasts

• Breastfeed 8 to 12 times per day. • Prior to latching your baby, hand express or pump milk to soften the

GROWTH SPURTS You may find that your baby will experience days that they may want to breastfeed more than usual. Many new moms may worry that something is wrong, but know that this is a common occurrence with most breastfed babies. Please know that your baby will return to a typical feeding pattern. The need to breastfeed more often generally lasts a few days to a week. Although these times may be more demanding for you, trust what your baby is telling you about their need to breastfeed more frequently and follow their feeding cues. As long as you do not hold back your baby’s need to breastfeed, your milk volume should be sufficient. The common name for your baby’s need to breastfeed more is “growth spurts” and is your baby’s way of increasing your milk volume so that they can grow. areola and nipple; baby can’t latch-on if your breast is too hard (common problem with engorgement). • Apply cold compresses to the breasts before, during, or after a feeding. Use a frozen bag of peas or corn for 15 to 20 minutes. This triggers blood vessels to constrict and helps with swelling and draining and soothes any discomfort. Never apply an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap an light towel or pillowcase around ice pack before applying to your breast. NOTE: Once breastfeeding is established, the best way to ensure a good milk volume is by allowing your baby to determine the frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions.

• Avoid soap on the nipple and areola; this can cause dryness. • Allow breasts to dry after breastfeeding by leaving the flaps of your bra down for several minutes. • Plan to have at least 2 good quality, and supportive nursing bras, one to wear while one is in the wash. • If your nipples are leaking, you may want to purchase either washable or disposable breast pads. Avoid using a plastic-lined pad inside your bra. It prevents air from circulating and may cause nipple soreness. Change pads frequently when wet. resolve within 7 to 10 days. Continued soreness may be due to poor positioning and latch-on that needs adjustment. Treatments for sore nipples include improving positioning and latch-on and making sure to break the suction before removing the baby from the breast. Dab some expressed breast milk onto the affected area to help heal and allow it to air-dry. You can also talk to a lactation consultant or health care provider about the application of lanolin onto the affected area. If you cannot identify the problem, call the Lactation Center advice line or your health care provider, before your symptoms become more painful. Do not let the problem get worse. SORE NIPPLES Expect some tenderness initially, but it should

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Chapter 9: Breastfeeding