It’s one of the most common questions that Zakiyah K. Williams, IBCLC gets from the first moms: “Why are my breasts heavy like rocks?” Engorgement is one of the first symptoms with childbirth that a new mam experiences, but there are steps you can take to feel better – and fast.

“When you are in fat, it can feel that there is no end in sight, but the relief is closer than you think” Williams, a medical advisory committee for the Bebecenter Medical Advisory Committee.

Breastfeder counselor can help you, but reality are not always covered by insurance or accessible right when you need. So while Williams can’t make a home call, doing the next best thing: sharing these tips to give her clients to help youCurrently.

1. Step: If your baby is hungry, feed them now

The best way to immediately alleviate in Bol back is to sell your baby or pump. While doing this, tell your body to produce more milk, expressing this milk often – around each to three hours – even in the early days will help you help you in your discomfort. “The goal is to regulate the supply of milk based on what your babies need (and stick to milk),” says Williams.

If you don’t get breastfeed and feed on request, “only breastfeeding babies can eat anywhere between 8 and 12 times in a 24 hour period.” If you pump exclusively, you can still follow the same feeding pattern, pumping at least 8 times more than 24 hours for about 15 to 30 minutes, says Williams. This time will vary for everything, but you need to pump generally until your milk starts slow down. If you pump and back is so bad, you can’t get milk with an electric pump, try to use a manual pump.

Follow the lawsuit for feeding your babies to start breastfeeding, which could look like rooting, lip licking or sip. This will help you make your milk a little faster and ensure that you have a strong milk supply. If you are experiencing back and you decided to complete your breastfeeding trip, here are a few ways to help you dry your milk.

When you are in fat, it can feel like there is no end in sight, but relief is closer than you think – and there are ways to quick relief from discomfort

– Zakiyah Williams, MPH, IBCLC, Consultant Consultant and Member of Medicine for Bebecenter Medical Advisory Committee

2. Step: double check your baby has a good latch

When your baby has a good latch, they are able to effectively and easily move milk from breast, which will help prevent and relieve your progress, says Williams. You will know that you have a good latch if your baby is actively vacuuming and swallowing, and in that moment you don’t feel pain.

If you breastfeed your injury, stop for a minute. Remove the breast baby and try to start again, says Williams. “Pain It can be normal, but the pain is not, “she adds. Take a moment to return to the basics you put your baby back on your breast and make sure you shine correctly.

“When your baby attacks, you want your nipple in the back of your mouth (protected from your gums) and as many of the areolas in their mouths,” she explains. “If you have pains in nipples during feeding, it can mean that your baby has a shallow latch, which means they don’t have enough breast in your mouth.”

Step 3: Massage, Massage, Massage

Still not feeling well? Williams recommends the academy of the massage protocol for breastfeeding, which can help move your milk and in return, bring some relief – as soon as possible. Put a few minutes to try this circle that is easy to follow, it is recommended to all her moms:

1. Before you feed or pumps, put a warm compress on your chest – or warm up.
2. Once you start taking a faster, massage your breasts your baby doesn’t offer at the moment (or the one that feels the most picno).
3. If your breasts are very hard, try softening the reverse pressure: press lightly in an area that is inch or two from the areola (darkest part of your nipple). Press breasts inward to help push swelling away from the area. It can help alleviate the areola and help your baby get better. (Imagine trying to lame on a full bubble that is basically what happens with breast fastened, explains Williams.)

4. Once you have finished feeding if your breasts still feel on you on, put the ice package (or a package of frozen vegetables) to the area to reduce swelling and inflammation. For nipple Pain or pain, try using hydrogel pads to reduce swelling.

Still uncomfortable? Ask your service provider to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as National (Aleve) occasionally, to help, says Williams.

Ways to prevent future progress

Breastfeeding is an incredible journey (though difficult), but I take care of myself and leaving time for some of these pain relief techniques can go a long way. Here are a few final advice Williams want to know that all breastfeeding moms know.

Fuel on the body to make you feel better

While you don’t need to drink a certain amount of water to breastfeed successfully, it makes you extra thirsty, so it’s good to always have a drink ready to go when you sit down to your sister or pump. Not to mention, keeping hydrating helps you keep a healthy milk supply that allows you to feed your baby as needed. Breastfeeding takes about 450 to 500 additional calories a day, so you must also hold some healthy snacks.

Lean on your partner or support to a person to help

You can’t pour out the empty cup, especially if you also have pain, says Williams. “If you need a minute, take a minute.” It’s when you type help from others to rest. If you have a partner or someone else at home while you feed, you can hand over your baby once you have finished feeding, so you can rest yourself – or some of these massage techniques swear.

Always talk to your healthcare provider if you have problems with enjoying the rhythm of breastfeeding that feels good for you and your baby. I can help you get rid of or connect with breastfeeding support in your area if available.