#asktheexpert
I m breastfeeding from 2 days and yesterday my breast got too tight even after ny baby drunk milk, and I have done every thing to loose it but its not working, does breast pump will help me for loosen my tight breast?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, a breast pump can help relieve engorged, tight breasts by removing excess milk and reducing discomfort. Breast engorgement can occur when your breasts are overly full of milk, which can happen if your baby isn't feeding as much as usual, if there is a sudden change in feeding frequency, or if your milk supply has increased.

### Steps to Relieve Engorgement with a Breast Pump

1. **Use a Breast Pump**: 
   - **Manual or Electric Pump**: You can use either a manual or electric breast pump to express milk. Start with a low suction setting and gradually increase it as needed to avoid discomfort.
   - **Pumping Duration**: Pump for about 10-15 minutes or until you feel relief. It’s not necessary to empty the breast completely; just remove enough milk to relieve the tightness.

2. **Warm Compress Before Pumping**:
   - Applying a warm compress or taking a warm shower before pumping can help stimulate milk flow and make expressing easier.

3. **Massage the Breasts**:
   - Gentle breast massage can help to stimulate milk flow. Massage in a circular motion starting from the outer areas of the breast towards the nipple while pumping or breastfeeding.

4. **Cold Compress After Pumping**:
   - Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your breasts after pumping can reduce swelling and provide pain relief.

5. **Frequent Feeding or Pumping**:
   - If your baby is feeding well, offer the breast frequently to help drain milk regularly. If your baby is not feeding enough, try to pump at regular intervals to avoid engorgement.

6. **Alternate Feeding Positions**:
   - Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to ensure the baby is latching properly and draining milk effectively from all areas of the breast.

### When to Seek Medical Help

- **Persistent Engorgement**: If you have persistent engorgement despite trying these methods, or if your breasts remain hard, painful, or red.
- **Fever or Flu-like Symptoms**: These could be signs of mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that requires prompt medical treatment.
- **Blocked Ducts or Mastitis**: If you notice a hard lump that does not go away with pumping or feeding, or if there are red streaks on the breast.

### Conclusion

Using a breast pump is an effective way to relieve engorgement by removing excess milk and reducing discomfort. However, if engorgement persists or is accompanied by signs of infection, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to prevent complications like blocked ducts or mastitis. Maintaining regular feeding or pumping schedules, using warm compresses, and massaging the breasts can also help manage engorgement.

#asktheexpert I m breastfeeding from 2 days and yesterday my breast got too tight even after ny baby drunk milk, and I have done every thing to loose it but its not working, does breast pump will help me for loosen my tight breast?