How to remove excess milk from Breast - ' Relieve Breast Engorgement'

What is Breast Engorgement?
                         Breast Engorgement mainly occurs in new mothers, where mostly the demand and supply is not yet balanced. It is also known as 'HyperLactation' since excess milk is being secreted and stored. Some times the Breast engorgement happens also for mothers who tend to stop breast feeding. The breast may get swollen and become very firm that causes pain in the breast. If left untreated may cause problems like breast infection,etc.,

How to prevent Breast Engorgement?

• Adopt proper Latching position. (As always i say if the position is right, then everything else would go in the right path)
• Make sure you feed one side of your breast completely for one single meal and the other side for the next meal.
• Inner wear must neither be tight nor be loose. The size of the cup should match the breast size.
• Make sure you feel the emptiness once you have fed the baby.

How to relieve Breast Engorgement?

• Use breast pump( if available )to squeeze out the initial few drops of stored milk.
• If not available, give warm compresses to the breast and squeeze out the excess milk with clean hands.
• It's enough if initial drops of milk are alone removed. Once the firmness is reduced you can feed the baby with the rest of the milk.
• For mothers who are weaning the baby, try baby led weaning method to avoid such problems.
• Do not apply any medicines(even home-made) without doctor's prescription to relieve the engorgement.
• Even though it is safe to refrain from using medicines(since it may affect the secretion for the next baby), if the engorgement still persists, do consult a doctor immediately and take prescribed medicines.

Click here to know more about breast feeding.

Have a Happy Parenting

Reader's suggestions and experiences are highly appreciable for the benefit of other mothers.