How do I relieve breast engorgement?

Bottom lineRelieve breast engorgement by feeding often with a good latch and draining each breast, hand expressing a little to soften it for latching, and using warmth before feeds and cold after; if not breastfeeding, avoid stimulation and use cold packs and support; see a clinician for a red, hot, painful area, fever, or flu-like symptoms, which can be mastitis.

Engorgement is when your breasts become overly full, hard, and painful - common in the early days as your milk comes in, or if feeds are missed. Relieving it keeps you comfortable and protects your milk supply.

If you're breastfeeding

• Feed often - around 8 to 12 times a day - and let the baby finish one side before offering the other
• Ensure a good latch so milk drains well
• Hand express or pump a little to soften the breast if it's too firm for the baby to latch
• Apply warmth before a feed to help milk flow and cold after to ease swelling

General comfort measures

• A warm shower or cold packs (or chilled cabbage leaves, which some find soothing) between feeds
• Gentle massage toward the nipple while feeding or expressing
• A well-fitting, supportive (not tight) bra
• Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief

If you're not breastfeeding

Avoid stimulating the breasts; use cold packs, support, and pain relief, and express only a tiny amount if very uncomfortable - milk supply will reduce over days.

When to get help

See a clinician if you develop a red, hot, painful area, fever, or flu-like symptoms - this can be mastitis and needs treatment.

Femora helps you track feeds and symptoms so you can spot engorgement and signs of mastitis early.