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The first few days after birthing, a new mother’s breasts secrete colostrum – the absolute must for a newborn for all its immune properties. Colostrum is produced just in the right amount, and gradually, thicker, rich milk begins to come in. Having larger and heavier breasts after the first 5-6 days of child birth is a normal occurrence and causes a feeling of fullness in the breasts. Apart from the milk, the fullness may occur also due to blood and other liquids in the breast tissues. Usually, this condition eases out in first two to three weeks, when the body adjusts to a supply-demand mechanism – retaining a good amount of milk for the baby.
Many women think or struggle with low milk supply in the initial days. But in some cases, breasts might feel firm uneasy, painful, lumpy, or constantly pounding. These signs direct to the possibility that one might have engorged breasts. Apart from the ones already discussed, engorged breasts can have these possible problems too-
There is no one answer to why this occurs. But mostly, the breasts might become engorged if you are not able to empty your breasts in the first few days of your baby’s birth. Frequent breastfeeding is immensely important for your and baby’s health.
For some women, the body quickly adjusts to the supply and demand mechanism, and they may experience breast fullness only for a day or two. But for some other women, engorgement may be lasting for two weeks for more. While some women get a good milk supply earlier and experience swelling and pain. This can make early breastfeeding a difficult period, and though breastfeeding pains and discomforts
Well, truly speaking, it is the baby’s work to help and remove the breast milk to save the mother from engorged breasts. But it is obviously not smart to rely on baby in case the problem persists. So, here are certain steps that the mother can take to relieve the engorged breasts.
Breast engorgement needs to be dealt with because it could send signals to the body to produce less milk, and prolonged engorgement can significantly affect breastfeeding. Sometimes, to may lead to early weaning as well. If the pain persists even after trying every measure and treatment, then you need to be alarmed and visit your medical advisor on an urgent basis. A fever higher than 101° F could be indicative of a breast infection – like mastitis.
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