Engorgement is a normal process. Not releasing the pressure in your breast can cause you to make less milk or to even stop producing milk. Knowing how to manage engorgement will help you avoid these problems. Postpartum breast engorgement is caused by the hormone changes in your body after delivery. The changes in hormones cause your breasts to start making a lot of milk.
Extra blood flowing to the breasts add to the engorgement.
Engorgement usually lasts just a few days until your body gets used to making and releasing milk. The swelling of your breasts makes it seem like you are making more milk than your baby needs. However, getting milk to flow is really the problem with engorgement, rather than making too much milk. Once your baby is nursing well and your milk is flowing easily, there will be less swelling and firmness. Within a few days, your breasts adjust to your baby's appetite.