Cupboard Remedies for Engorgement
These articles in the "remedies" section are copyrighted and are not to be reprinted without permission of the author.
These cupboard remedies that work for some moms but they are not meant as a treatment plan for your specific situation. If you are experiencing a breastfeeding challenge, I can provide professional support and together we can create a treatment plan specifically tailored to you and your baby's needs. Some breastfeeding situations can be remedied with cupboard cures moms have used for years but in other cases you may need care and support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and/or your Healthcare Provider. I would be honored to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
What is engorgement?
- It is normal for moms’ breasts to become heavier, larger, and tender when greater quantities of milk are being produced.
- This usually happens between the second and sixth days after birth or when the milk is coming in.
- You may develop painful engorgement and will require comfort measures to relieve your discomfort.
- When engorgement is treated properly breastfeeding success is very likely. Engorgement will usually last no more than 48 hours.
What are the symptoms of engorgement?
- The symptoms of engorgement (which generally affects both breasts) are swelling, tenderness, warmth, redness, throbbing pain, low grade fever and flattening of the nipple.
- You may think your breasts feel “hard” or that the “skin feels stretched tight.”
- You may also note that the areola is hard and the nipple does not stand out as much.
What Causes Engorgement?
- One of the causes of engorgement is an increase in the volume of milk.
- Engorgement is also due to extra blood and lymph fluids which travel to the breasts to prepare them for producing milk.
What are Some Cupboard Remedies for Engorgement?
These cupboard cures are just ideas to get started on the road to recovery but please contact me for a personal consultation and an in-depth treatment plan specific to you and your baby. I bring over 30 years of experience working with parents and babies and over ten years as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
- The number one treatment for engorgement is for the baby to breastfeed frequently (eight to twelve times a day). Nursing often and without restriction will help prevent painful engorgement. However, even when babies do nurse long and often we still occasionally see moms who will encounter painful engorgement.
- Moms report that frequent nursing, ice and cabbage were their best “cures.”
- If the breasts are too full for the baby to latch, you can pump and/or hand express some milk.
- A great hand expression video through Stanford University can be found at Stanford's website HERE
- All moms should know how to hand express their milk.
- Hand expression can be done until the nipple and aureola soften some and therefore will allow for an easier, more comfortable latch.
- This is best done either right after a feeding for comfort only or right before the feeding if mom is too full and tight.
- Reverse pressure softening may also assist in softening the area for an easier latch. This technique moves the swelling backward and upward into the breast.
- Massaging the breasts before the feeding and using breast compression during the feeding will assist with let down and therefore the removal of milk.
- Some moms report that applying heat for a few minutes, right as the baby is latching and beginning the feeding, helps them relax and “let down.”
- Ice packs (moms report that frozen bags of peas or corn work great) applied to the breasts after feeding (or pumping) will help reduce swelling. Moms also report using ice a half hour before the feeding seemed to be helpful.
- An anti-inflammatory medication approved by your healthcare provider may also help with the swelling and discomfort.
- The old home remedy of cabbage leaves applied to the breasts gives many moms relief. This should be used with some caution for moms who are allergic to sulfa. A small bit of cabbage can be cut up and placed on your arm and then observed for any development of a skin reaction. Doing this in a small area before applying whole leaves to the breast is recommended. (Recipe below)
Natural recipe: Relieving Engorgement with Cabbage Leaves
- Use a large head of green cabbage, discard the outer 1-2 leaves, and wash the next 2-3 leaves.
- Take a rolling pin or large spoon and crush the large veins running through the cleaned leaves.
- Tuck the cabbage leaf inside the bra against the skin and wear between feedings.
- Change when becomes limp/wilted and reapply as needed between feedings
- Use cabbage only until breasts soften
Engorgement can be painful and discouraging. Melissa is an IBCLC and can offer both professional medical help and support with this or any step in your breastfeeding journey. If you're interested in setting up a breastfeeding consultation with Melissa, please fill out our easy CONTACT FORM to get started!
Please note: If you have a question about a medical matter you should consult your healthcare provider. Do not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider.