Ailments and Situations - Breastfeeding and Related Issues - Breast Engorgement |
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Page 4 of 12 Related Problems Breastfeeding problems can be avoided by understanding feeding methods and how to treat problems as they arise. Typical problems are outlined below.
Breast Engorgement This temporary problems usually occurs two to five days after childbirth. Engorgement results from increased blood supply to the breast and pressure from newly produced milk. This causes breast tissue to swell. The breasts feel full, hard, tender, and tight. Breast skin is hot, shiny, and distended. A fever may also be present.
Remedies Breast engorgement should not discourage you from nursing. Use the following as a guide:
Apply a damp, hot cloth thirty minutes before each feeding Do not use nipple shields Keep feedings frequent, every ninety minutes to two hours. Feed on demand and do not skip or delay feedings, either day or night Massage the breast during feeding to promote milk flow Allow for unrestricted suckling time and allow your baby to completely empty each breast during feeding, about seven minutes per side Express milk between feedings Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. The following remedies should be taken every 4 hours for up to 5 days: Conium: Swelling, tenderness, and itching of the breast. Graphites: Oreola is chapped and cracked. Yellow fluid oozing from the cracks dries and forms yellow crust. Lac Caninum: Swollen, engorged breasts. Breasts are very painful and sensitive to any movement or touch.
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