our osteopaths at total balance can treat breast feeding conditions such as engorgement. read on to find out more about what engorgement is, and how we can help you!
Engorgement is when the breast becomes enlarged, swollen, and painful and can be broken down into physiological engorgement and pathological engorgement.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ENGORGEMENT
Physiological engorgement occurs when your milk production increases rapidly during the first few days after giving birth, usually 2 to 6 days post partum. Milk flow is halted by an interruption to normal blood and lymph flow, and the breasts become hard and tender.
PATHOLOGICAL ENGORGEMENT
Pathological engorgement occurs at any time during your breast feeding journey. It can be caused by ill-fitting or tight bras which may compress the breast tissue, or by missing feeds/not expressing as frequent as necessary.
If left untreated, engorgement can lead to feeding and latching problems, a decrease in milk supply, and other breast feeding conditions caused by milk stasis including mastitis and blocked ducts.
Signs that you may have ENGORGEMENT
- Enlarged, tender, swollen breast
- Sensitive or soreness through the breast
- May see some tautness to the overlying skin
- A decrease in your milk flow
- Your bub may have trouble latching on to your nipple, due to the change in shape of your breast
WHAt CAN YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A BLOCKED DUCT
- Continue your normal feeding routine from this breast, do not stop! This is very important as we want to keep encouraging milk flow
- Warm compress on the area with a warm face towel to help encourage blood and lymph flow
- Wear loose-fitting tops, avoid tight sports bras or bras that have underwire
If you have tried this for a day or so without any change or more importantly if you’re starting to feel worse, please give us a call at the clinic. We are always more than happy to chat to you about how you’re feeling and let you know if we think we can help you. If you start to feel feverish, nauseous, are getting any chills or night sweats then please go see your GP straight away. This is a sign of infection, and we want to get on top of this ASAP.
WHAT CAN OUR Osteopaths DO TO HELP?
Engorgement along with other breast conditions is something we can treat here at Total Balance. We use specific hands-on treatment along with therapeutic ultrasound. We will also educate you on some things you can do at home to manage the current issue and also prevent it from recurring.
Who can I see at Total Balance to help me with my ENGORGEMENT or other breast-feeding conditions?
Our Osteopaths Dr Simmone Ortland, Dr Megan Brooks and Dr Sarah Duggan have all participated in further training in the treatment of breast health conditions, such as mastitis, engorgement, blocked ducts and blebs.
Dr. Sarah Duggan (osteopath at Total Balance Health)
