Engorgement may develop if your baby does not adequately remove the milk from your breasts. During this time, your breasts will feel hard, painful and hot. Avoiding supplements of water or formula for the first 3-4 weeks unless medically indicated. If you miss any feedings, expressing your milk. When weaning your baby, doing it gradually.
Hand express some milk to soften the areola after using moist heat.
This makes it easier for baby to attach to the breast. Use gentle breast massage before and during breastfeeding. Use deep breathing, soft music or other techniques to relax before and during nursing. Try applying icy cold compresses to your breast after nursing to relieve the discomfort and decrease swelling. If your baby takes only one breast, use a hospital-type automatic electric breast pump or hand expression to express the milk from the other breast during the engorgement period.