Cold can help reduce swelling. Use a layer of fabric between the compress and the skin. Bags of frozen vegetables or a disposable diaper that you dampen and put in the freezer for 20 minutes work just as well as the ice packs that you purchase at the drugstore. The use of heat immediately before nursing can help the milk let-down. Taking a warm shower, leaning over a basin of warm water, soaking in a warm bath, or applying warm compresses or a heating pad may help.
Moist heat is best.
Gentle breast massage can also help the milk flow more readily. If the nipple and areola are swollen, don t try to nurse without softening them up first. Hand express or pump a little milk from your breast to soften the nipple and areola before trying to nurse. Gently massage the breast before nursing. You may not be able to turn it up to maximum, but try to increase the pressure as much as you comfortably can.