Breast Engorgement: What It Is and How to Prevent It (From an IBCLC Who Gets It)

Breastfeeding is one of the most incredible ways to connect with your baby. It’s nurturing, powerful, and full of sweet moments you’ll never forget. But let’s be honest—while breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always feel easy.

Just like any big journey, there are going to be ups and downs, unexpected twists, and times when you’ll need to call in a little backup—and that’s completely okay.

One of the most common bumps in the road, especially in those early days, is something called breast engorgement. If you’ve ever felt like your breasts were suddenly full, hard, heavy, and even painful—yep, that’s it. It’s usually caused by an oversupply of milk or missed feedings, and trust me, it can sneak up fast.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage it—and even avoid it altogether.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What breast engorgement really is

• Why it happens (especially in the early weeks)

• Simple, practical tips to help you get relief fast

• How to keep your milk flowing without the pain

Because when your breasts are happy and comfortable, it makes the whole breastfeeding experience feel a lot more doable—and even enjoyable.

So, grab a cozy drink, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about how to care for your amazing, milk-making body. You’ve got this, mama—and I’m right here with you.

What is Breast Engorgement?

Breast engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full with milk, blood, and fluids. It can make them feel firm, swollen, warm, tender, or even rock-hard. For some moms, the discomfort might just be annoying. For others, it can be downright painful.

You’ll most often feel engorged:

• Around day 3–5 postpartum when your milk “comes in”

• If baby suddenly sleeps longer and skips a feeding

• When you’re producing more milk than your baby needs (hello, oversupply!)

• After missing a pump or feeding session

Engorgement can also make it harder for your baby to latch, which just adds stress when you’re already trying to feed a hungry baby.

Why Does Engorgement Happen?

Your body is incredibly smart, but in the beginning, it’s still figuring things out. At first, your body tends to overcompensate—making way more milk than your baby actually needs (just in case!). This can lead to uncomfortable fullness.

Other causes include:

• Infrequent nursing or pumping: Skipping feeds or waiting too long between sessions can back things up.

• Improper latch: If baby isn’t removing milk effectively, it can leave milk behind.

• Weaning too quickly: Stopping breastfeeding suddenly without gradually decreasing sessions can trigger engorgement.

• Sudden changes in schedule: Like when your baby sleeps longer stretches at night (which is great—but can lead to breast fullness).

Oversupply and engorgement can be painful and uncomfortable to go through, but there are several strategies you can try to reduce these feelings. 

Nurse Frequently

Offer the breast often—about every 2–3 hours—and let baby nurse as long as they want on one side before switching. This helps empty the breast and signals your body to regulate supply.

Use Gentle Breast Massage

Lightly massage your breast while nursing or pumping. Think gentle, circular motions from the outer breast toward the nipple. This can help move milk and reduce swelling.

 Hand Expression Before Feeds

Another strategy is to use hand expressions before feeds. This is a technique where you use your hands to gently massage and compress your breasts to express milk from them. It can remove enough milk to help you feel more comfortable, and it can help improve your baby’s latch. 

 Cold Compresses for Relief 

After nursing, place a cold compress (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) on your breasts for 10–15 minutes. This reduces inflammation and brings quick relief.

 Warm Compresses Before Feeding 

If your breasts are too full for baby to latch comfortably, try using a warm compress or taking a warm shower before feeding. It can help soften the breast and encourage milk letdown.  

Helping Baby Cope with Oversupply

When you have an oversupply, you won’t be able to just feel it, but you can see how it can affect your baby. They may get frustrated when feeding because of how fast the milk is flowing. Try a different nursing position like a laid-back or side-lying position because those help to slow your flow. It is also important to ensure that your baby is latching deeply so that they are not taking in an excessive amount of air. 

When to Seek Help

If you have tried these strategies and they aren’t helping, or you want more personalized help, make an appointment with a lactation consultant. I’d be happy to help you!

Book and appointment here!