How does breast engorgement affect nursing?

Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full and swollen with milk, leading to firmness and a significant increase in breast size. This condition can create challenges for infants attempting to latch onto the breast effectively.

When the breasts are engorged, the areola can become stretched and firmness can make it difficult for the infant to achieve a proper latch. An effective latch is crucial for the infant to be able to suckle efficiently and extract milk. If the infant struggles to latch due to the firm and swollen breast, it may lead to frustration for both the mother and the baby, which can hinder the breastfeeding process.

Proper management of breast engorgement, such as expressing a small amount of milk to soften the breast or using warm compresses to encourage letdown, can help alleviate this issue and facilitate better nursing experiences.