Full and overly full breasts are not the same. When they are too full, it is called engorgement. Yes, it is reasonable to assume that all breastfeeding moms want breasts full of milk every time their babies are ready to be fed. The more milk there is, the better it will be for the baby. However, when they are too full, they are on the verge of swelling and pain, and when some moms develop a fever, it can be very distressing, especially for new moms. However, some steps can be taken to help reduce, if not completely prevent, congestion.

Feed the baby every two to three hours.

A feeding schedule is a good idea. So setting a schedule and sticking to it, as much as you can, will help. That is, feed the baby every two to three hours a day. However, the more the baby is fed, the more milk will be produced and this is good for the baby. However, feeding every two to three hours will help prevent a large amount of milk from being stored at one time.

Take showers instead of baths

Many of us enjoy relaxing baths, and when we have the opportunity to do so, especially during this time, we should not turn it down. However, in this case, the shower waters will help with the chest. Let the water fall directly on them and gently, but massage on purpose, especially if they are about to become painful. Some milk may leak out, but this will help relieve some.

Express some milk before and after breastfeeding if they are still full.

Before feeding the baby, express some milk to make it easier for the baby to latch on properly to the nipples and thus have adequate access to milk. Make sure “all” the milk is gone after breastfeeding. However, if there is still milk in one or both, expressing the rest will help prevent engorgement.

Ice pack to chest

When the breasts are full, but not to the point of causing pain, an ice pack is a good preventative measure. Follow the directions on how to use the ice pack, and this will help reduce the chance of swelling.

Breast engorgement is common among new moms, but it can be reduced, if not completely prevented. Feed the baby every two to three hours, take more showers instead of baths, express some milk before and after breastfeeding, if still full, and use an ice pack on the breast when needed.