Engorgement | My Site

Breast Engorgement

Update September 2026

What is engorgement?

Engorgement is when your breasts become very full, swollen and painful.

It is common in the first few days after birth when your milk starts to increase. Some fullness is normal. However, when the breasts become very swollen they may feel hard, painful and difficult for your baby to latch onto.

Engorgement usually happens between days 3 and 5 after birth. Sometimes it happens later if your milk takes longer to come in. It can also happen later in breastfeeding if feeds are missed, there is an oversupply of milk, or breastfeeding stops suddenly.

Engorgement is not caused by milk alone. As your milk comes in, extra fluid can collect in the breast and cause swelling. If you had IV fluids during labour, this swelling may be worse. Breast tissue extends into the armpit, so you may notice swelling there too.

Signs and symptoms

You may notice:

Breasts feeling very full, heavy, firm or hard
Swelling around the nipple and the darker skin around it
Shiny or stretched skin
Breast pain or tenderness
Difficulty getting your baby to latch
Your baby becoming frustrated at the breast
Swelling under the arm
Mild redness caused by swelling

Who is more likely to get engorgement?

You may be more likely to experience engorgement if:

You had IV fluids during labour
This is your first baby
Your milk is slow to come in
You had a caesarean birth
You have had breast surgery
Feeds have been missed
Your baby has difficulty latching
You produce more milk than your baby needs
You pump more milk than your baby needs
You stop breastfeeding or expressing suddenly

How can I relieve engorgement?

Feed your baby often

Offer the breast whenever your baby shows feeding cues.
Skin-to-skin contact can help encourage feeds.

Check positioning and attachment

A comfortable and effective latch helps your baby remove milk and makes feeding easier.ee tips here: https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/positioning-and-attachment

Soften the breast if needed

If your breasts are so swollen that your baby cannot latch, you can hand express a little milk to soften the area around the nipple.
Express only enough to help your baby attach and to feel comfortable.

Try reverse pressure softening

This can help move swelling away from the nipple area and make latching easier.
Reverse Pressure Softening Guide

Reverse pressure softening, credit Jane Cotterman, diagrams by Kyle Cotterman

Gentle breast movement

Gentle breast movement and very light massage towards the armpit may help reduce swelling.
These videos and guides may help:
Video: Breast Gymnastics https://vimeo.com/65196007
Guide: Lymphatic Drainage Handout https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cae1b90a09a7e52e72c667e/t/5daa2c7b4990dc3d5fa76556/1571433600382/Lymphatic+massage+handout.pdf

Avoid deep massage

Avoid deep, firm or vigorous breast massage.
This can increase swelling, cause tissue damage and make symptoms worse.

Use cold packs

Cold packs can help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable.
Apply for up to 20 minutes at a time and repeat as needed.
Some parents find chilled cabbage leaves soothing because they fit comfortably around the breast.

Rest on your back

Lying on your back may help fluid move away from the nipple area and reduce swelling.

Avoid over-pumping

Try not to pump or express more milk than your baby needs.
Removing extra milk can sometimes make engorgement worse.

Pain relief

Anti-inflammatory pain relief, such as ibuprofen, may help reduce pain and swelling if it is safe for you to take it.
Ask your pharmacist, midwife or GP if you are unsure.

When should I get help?

Contact your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor or call NHS 111 if: