Posted by In breastfeeding there comes a point where things stop being polite and start getting real. A week or so after giving birth and our nipples are sore, cracked, and trying to adjust to a little person sucking the living daylights out of them. And then, The Milk Comes In.
If you’re like me, your milk comes in fast and furious. Your boobs become hot heavy boulders attached to your chest. Rock hard and hurt like hell. They’re engorged.
If this is you, don’t panic. Here are 5 tips that helped me get through this and I hope they can help you as well.
5 Tips To Relieve Engorged Breasts
#1 Get The Milk Out
Now this goes without saying, but the more milk you can get out, the better you’ll feel. Nurse your baby as much as you can, and when you can’t, pump. The only time I pumped was when I was engorged and it was such a relief. This is the pump I have, it’s affordable and got the job done, plus it has a lot of good reviews on Amazon.
#2 Alternate Hot & Cold
Hot compresses encourage more milk production and cold compresses encourage a decrease in milk. With engorgement, I found that a hot compress right before nursing helped to “loosen” the milk so more would come out and give greater relief. But when I wasn’t nursing I iced the heck out of these babies and I can’t tell you how good ice packs felt. Definitely give it a try.
For hot compresses, I used the reusable Instant Heat Breast Warmers that come in the Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit. And for cold compresses, I used the Lansinoh TheraPearl Breast Therapy Pack.
#3 Give Your Nipples Some Relief
With my boobs hurting so much overall, I found that doing something nice for my nipples helped me feel better in general. These Soothing Gel Pads for sore nipples gave a lot of relief.
#4 Massage Your Boobies
Engorged boobs are hot, hard, and rocky. The Lactation Massager in the Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit helped to break up the boulders and soften the tissue. It’s a small vibrating device that can also heat up. Giving yourself a breast massage in a hot shower also helps.
#5 Remember It’s Only Temporary
And finally, while it feels like it lasts forever, thankfully engorgement usually only lasts a few days. Use these tips to help get through it. Cry if you have to – I know I did. Because once you’re over to the other side, hopefully breastfeeding will be a lot easier. You can do this mamas!