How to avoid breast milk engorgement

Strengthening immunity, preventing diseases, fighting obesity, and cognitive development are among the many benefits that breastfeeding provides for the baby. For mothers it is no different: in addition to favoring uterine involution, it reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and protects against breast cancer.

However, many people know of cases in which milk becomes “hardened,” preventing the mother from breastfeeding.

“To avoid the occurrence of breast engorgement (medical term for hardening or excess milk), it is necessary to let the baby nurse on demand, which will also help empty the breast.” The statement is from Camila de Souza, a nurse specialized in Emergencies, Intensive Care, and Health Management, working in public health with an emphasis on Primary Care, Women’s Health, and Rede Cegonha.

According to the nurse, there is no set time or schedule for breastfeeding. “In the first months, the baby still doesn’t have a feeding routine. It will be acquired over time. That’s why the breast should be offered whenever the baby asks. If engorgement still occurs, the woman should remove the excess milk by hand,” she explains.

Among the reasons that lead to breast engorgement, Camila believes they are associated with inadequate baby suction and incomplete breast emptying. “Physiologically speaking, this condition results from increased vascularization, milk accumulation, edema (swelling), and obstruction of lymphatic system drainage—factors that will compromise milk flow and even interrupt its production.”

The symptoms are easily recognized. There is an increase in breast volume, the presence of reddened areas on the breasts, intense pain, swelling, malaise, and in some cases, fever. The nipples can also become flattened, making milk flow even more difficult.

Still according to the nurse, breastfeeding is the main mechanism for strengthening the emotional bond between mother and child and should be exclusive until the baby is six months old. “The offering of water, teas, juices, broths, and baby foods is contraindicated,” she adds.

As a final recommendation, Camila highlights the importance of breast milk in preventing diseases such as diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndromes, and celiac disease. “It is a practical, free, and costless method that will strengthen the baby’s immunity and reduce the risk of neonatal deaths.”

Some tips from Camila de Souza to avoid breast milk “engorgement”:

1. Breastfeed the baby early, right after birth;

2. Breastfeed on free and spontaneous demand (whenever the baby asks);

3. Completely empty the breast before offering another feeding;

4. Use comfortable bras with good support;

5. Do not offer tea, water, or other milks that may cause early weaning;

6. Do not offer pacifiers and bottles, as they harm the baby’s sucking response;

7. Properly position the baby. There is no single correct way, but it is important that the baby faces the breast without having to turn the neck to feed. Remember that the baby should latch onto a good portion of the breast, including not only the nipple but also the areola, especially the lower portion.

If engorgement still develops, some measures can improve the condition and relieve symptoms:

1. Remove excess milk by hand (manual expression);

2. Massage the breasts (circular movements);

3. Apply cold compresses for a maximum of 20 minutes between feedings.

And attention: if these measures are not effective, consult a doctor to return to normal and resume breastfeeding as soon as possible.

Breast milk: umami food with many nutrients

It is no coincidence that breast milk is considered the most complete food for babies. In addition to being a source of proteins (casein, whey, and albumin), it contains healthy fats (that provide energy), carbohydrates such as lactose, minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc), vitamins A, D, E, K, C, and B-complex, and antibodies that protect babies from diseases.

According to Camila de Souza, breast milk varies according to the stage of breastfeeding, which is divided into:

• Colostrum: milk secreted up to one week after delivery, containing proteins, vitamins A and E, and immunoglobulins that protect the baby against viruses and bacteria. It has less lactose and fat than mature milk. It is responsible for the growth of the intestinal microbiota and contains Lactobacillus bifidus, bacteria that improve digestive function.

• Transitional Milk: phase that occurs between the 7th and 14th day after delivery, with an increase in milk volume and stabilization of the previous composition.

• Mature Milk: its composition varies during the stages of lactation and contains vitamins A, B6 and D, calcium, iron, and zinc.