Hi,
Just want to share my experience on engorgement. I feel that I've had engorgement (hard as rock kind), block ducts and milk blisters enough to last me a lifetime so hope what I've learnt can help some of you avoid it.
Massage is important. Target lumps and use some force to massage them out (But dun target the same lump/area for a long time as will get blue black. Move around and come back). Massage the breasts + aerola + nipple. Aerola and nipple is very important. Before and after nursing/pumping, must make sure that all your openings are open (i.e. milk can slow/squirt out properly). Yes, its like waste some milk but its important. Nb: Take note of the bottom as its often neglected.
Its good to stop in between pumping to massage esp the aerola and nipples too. This may even help you achieve another 1-2 letdowns (i.e. more milk!).
If want to increase interval between pumpings, it has to be done slowly. i.e. start at pumping every 3 hours, slowly increase to 3.5 hours. When the body is accustomed to it, then move to 4 hours.
When pumping, make sure the funnel size is correct. The center part shld fit in the whole aerola + nipple. When you pump, the aerola shld be drawn slowly into the tube part of the funnel. Nipple shld not hit against the sides as that will cause the skin to thicken and form blisters.
If baby latches only 1 side, make sure you remove at least some of the milk in the other breast so that its not full.
When latching, try not to let baby use their tongue to stop the milk flow too. Hold baby tighter and closer towards you.
Remember to vary your latching positions so that milk can be cleared from diff areas of your breasts. Nb: Football hold clears the outer sides.
If ever you get any engorgement, blisters, etc that you cannot resolve fast, do see an LC as dragging(whilst you try to solve it yourself) can only make it worst.
p.s. before seeing LC, do take painkillers.
