Engorgement

Many parents report some level of breast engorgement, that is breasts that are firm, swollen, and painful, most commonly in the first week postpartum as milk volume increases in tandem with higher levels of blood flow and lymph fluid to the breasts. As lactation progresses, engorgement can be experienced if milk is not frequently or efficiently removed from the breasts and if not resolved, can complicate further into plugging or mastitis. During a consultation, we will employ gentle hands-on techniques that quickly reduce breast inflammation and congestion so that engorgement improves and milk can flow freely. We will also discuss other easy to implement, low level interventions that are supportive and identify any underlying factors that are contributing to engorgement.