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What is infertility?
The Two Week Wait
Why are prenatal vitamins so important in pregnancy?
Early signs of pregnancy
Episiotomy
How to Prepare for a Positive Induction
Breast Engorgement
Mastitis
Skin to skin Australian Birth Stories breast engorgement
Rest assured that it won’t be like this forever; as your baby feeds and as your body adjusts to a breastfeeding rhythm, your breasts will settle. However, it’s important to understand what engorgement is and how you can prevent and treat it so it doesn’t hinder your breastfeeding journey or develop into mastitis.
Breast engorgement is common early in your breastfeeding journey. It occurs when your breast tissue fills with milk, blood and lymphatic fluid, causing a dramatic increase in size and a very firm and full sensation. This fullness can make it hard for your baby to latch onto the nipple but it’s important to feed on demand so you can drain the breast and relieve the pressure. It can also be very uncomfortable for you and may cause significant pain. It’s also important to note that if you continue to have symptoms of breast engorgement up to six weeks after birth, you may have an oversupply of milk which is something that can be managed but may require professional guidance from a lactation consultant.
You can safely say you’ve got breast engorgement if you have the following symptoms:
Breast engorgement is caused by the sudden onset of milk production. Because it makes it difficult for your baby to latch, this can further complicate the issue because your baby isn’t draining the breast, which in turn can halt or slow milk production. If you’re making more milk than your baby needs, this can also create breast engorgement. It’s a common but temporary issue that should be addressed as soon as possible so it doesn’t lead to other more serious concerns.
How can I Prevent Breast Engorgement?
There are some simple and effective ways to prevent breast engorgement, including:
There are some practical ways you can relieve the pressure and pain of breast engorgement, including:
If you’re not finding any relief from engorgement, it may lead to blocked ducts or mastitis which is something you’ll want to avoid, if possible. If engorgement persists despite your attempts to prevent and relieve it, you may have an oversupply of milk (not a bad thing but also something you’ll want to monitor).
The BodyICE Woman Breast Pads, are designed to fit comfortably inside the bra and around nipples to provide cooling or warming relief from soreness associated with breastfeeding, blocked milk ducts and engorgement. The breast pads also conform around the breast pump and when heated, can help ease the flow of milk and blocked milk ducts.
Made from soft medical grade materials and non-toxic gel beads, the packs remain flexible when frozen or heated, are portable and reusable. They also come with washable sleeves that fit around each pack should you choose to use them. BodyICE Woman is available at bodyice.com, as well as many online and retail stores globally. Follow BodyICE Woman on Instagram for lots of great resources and tips: @bodyicewoman
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postpartum
Typically occurring between day 3-5 after birth, breast engorgement is a common symptom in early postpartum when your milk comes. It can also occur later in your breastfeeding journey if your baby sleeps for longer and misses a feed, or drops a feed during the day or night. It can cause your breasts to be full and hard and this can cause pain and make it tricky for your baby to latch. Essentially, your breasts can feel like they’re about to explode which is quite disconcerting.
You may have heard some nightmarish stories about mastitis and frankly, it’s not something you want to contend with at any stage of your breastfeeding journey. It’s most common in the first three months postpartum but it can strike at any time, particularly if your baby has reduced their feeds, is starting to sleep for longer periods at night or you’re weaning.
In early postpartum, breastfeeding and sleep challenges are common and can contribute to anxiety and overwhelm. Unless you have a private midwife, there’s a distinct void of health services in postpartum which makes it challenging to access professional support. It’s definitely beneficial to be aware of this in pregnancy so you can adequately prepare for postpartum.
Firstly, if you’ve recently birthed your baby and your bleeding has increased, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. It’s recommended to present to the emergency department at your local hospital and explain that you’ve recently given birth and you’re concerned about your blood loss. You may be experiencing a postpartum haemorrhage.
If you’re currently pregnant and starting to gather essentials for your baby, chances are you’re thinking about the must-haves for your nappy bag.
The colloquial and derogatory term, baby brain, has been used for decades to explain the forgetfulness and brain fog of new motherhood. But research proves that the brain in new motherhood is primed for learning.
Comfortable basics are absolutely essential for early postpartum when your body is soft and sore. Your physical recovery will be very dependent on your birth experience but, that said, no-one is bouncing back from pregnancy and birth. The whole concept of returning to who you were before your pregnancy is unrealistic; your body has taken almost a year to conceive, grow and birth your baby, it will take you time to recover and heal.
The hierarchy of needs is a great tool to use in conversation with your partner so together you can work out how to facilitate your essential needs in postpartum.
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