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    Care Plan For Breast Engorgement

    Uploaded by

    Tin Jaugan
    NCM

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Care Plan For Breast Engorgement

    Uploaded by

    Tin Jaugan
    2K views2 pages
    NCM

    Original Title

    Care Plan for Breast Engorgement

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    NCM

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    2K views2 pages

    Care Plan For Breast Engorgement

    Uploaded by

    Tin Jaugan
    NCM

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Care Plan for Breast Engorgement

    Between Days 3–5, mother’s milk begins to increase as her milk “comes in.” It is normal for your breasts to feel fuller,
    heavier and tender. Your breasts become engorged with milk and with other fluids that are used to make the milk. This
    normal fullness usually goes away when a baby is breastfeeding or if you are pumping often and well.

    Some women develop hard, swollen, painful breasts when the milk first “comes in.” The nipple and areola may become
    hard and flat, making it difficult for baby to latch on deeply to remove enough milk. Mother’s nipples become sore from
    baby latching on to the nipple alone.

    Care Plan Goals:


    • Remove milk from your breasts Helping Baby Latch on When You Are Engorged:
    • Decrease breast swelling Sometimes a mother’s nipples and areolas become too
    full for baby to latch on. If your baby is unable to latch on
    Suggestions for Relieving Engorgement: for a feeding due to engorgement, then call the TriHealth
    • Breastfeed or pump breasts every 2 to 2½ hours during Breastfeeding Care Center (513 862 7867 option 3).
    the day and 3 hours at night
    Relieving Uncomfortable Fullness after Breastfeeding:
    • Decrease swelling in your breasts by applying cold packs
    20 minutes before breastfeeding or pumping (See more When your breasts are still uncomfortably full after
    information on cold packs at the end of this care plan.) breastfeeding, you can express some milk for relief.
    It’s important to express just enough to be comfortable.
    • DO NOT USE HEAT when there is swelling. It can make Do not overdo the pumping since it may encourage
    it worse. overproduction. You may only need to do this temporarily
    • Massage your breasts while breastfeeding or pumping by since the engorgement should decrease over time.
    stroking toward your baby’s mouth or the pump flange
    • Ask your doctor about using a non-steroidal, Suggestions for Making and Using Cold Packs
    anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, Cold packs are used to relieve breast swelling so your
    to reduce inflammation milk will flow more easily. They are also used for your
    comfort. You may only need to use them for 1 to 2 days
    • Wear a supportive, well-fitting bra but avoid a tight
    as needed. To make cold packs:
    bra or clothing that may put pressure on milk-making
    breast tissue • Place small ice cubes in a ziplock bag. (You can also
    use frozen peas or corn.)
    • Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid high-sodium (salt) foods
    and liquids that may increase swelling • Put ziplock bags inside a pillow case
    • Wrap the cold packs around your breasts

    TriHealth.com EPS4299a | 2 15
    • Alternate cold packs by placing them on your breasts for 20
    minutes, take them off 20 minutes, put back on 20 minutes, take Reverse Pressure
    off 20 minutes, etc. Softening

    • Use cold packs between feeding or pumping sessions as you


    need them
    If you are using frozen peas or corn, they can be put back in the
    freezer to refreeze and use later on your breasts. Do not eat the
    peas or corn after they have been thawed and refrozen.

    Reverse Pressure Softening


    Reverse pressure softening (RPS) is a technique used to help baby
    latch on when your nipples and areolas (brown area around your
    nipples) are swollen from engorgement. Reverse pressure softening
    will push the fluid away from your nipple and areola briefly so that Short Nails
    your baby can latch on more easily.
    Follow these steps:
    • Place your fingers and thumb around the base of your nipple
    on the areola
    • Push back toward your ribs
    • Continue putting pressure on that area for 1 to 2 minutes
    (should not be painful)
    • You can repeat this technique and reposition your fingers
    farther away from your nipple on the areola if needed to relieve
    more swelling
    Long Nails
    • When you remove your fingers and thumb, your baby should be
    able to latch on the softened area

    If you are still having difficulty, try pumping for 1 to 2 minutes to


    relieve fullness in nipples and areolas, then try latching baby on.

    Note: You may need to follow this care plan for 24–48 hours until Copyright ®
    Cotterman J & Cotterman
    engorgement is gone. Call the TriHealth Breastfeeding Care Center Used with permission
    (513 862 7867 option 3) if engorgement is not relieved by these
    suggestions. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor.

    TriHealth.com EPS4299a | 2 15

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