Breast engorgement
Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement (/brɛst ɪnˈɡɔːrdʒmənt/) is a medical condition experienced by many women, particularly in the postpartum period. It is characterized by the breasts becoming overly full and firm due to an excess of milk, blood, and other fluids.
Etymology
The term "engorgement" originates from the French word "engorger", meaning to fill to excess. In the context of breastfeeding, it refers to the overfilling of the breasts with milk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast engorgement include:
- Swelling of the breasts
- Tenderness or pain
- Warmth
- Skin that appears shiny and stretched
- Flattened or inverted nipples
- Fever or flu-like symptoms (in severe cases)
Causes
Breast engorgement typically occurs when a woman is making more milk than her baby is consuming. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- The baby not latching on properly
- Infrequent or missed feedings
- Sudden weaning
- Overproduction of milk
Treatment
Treatment for breast engorgement often involves methods to relieve the discomfort and to help the milk flow, such as:
- Frequent breastfeeding
- Applying warm compresses before feeding
- Applying cold compresses after feeding
- Gentle breast massage
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
In some cases, a lactation consultant may be needed to help with breastfeeding techniques and to ensure the baby is latching on properly.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Breast engorgement
- Wikipedia's article - Breast engorgement
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