Managing painful breast engorgement

If you are experiencing painful engorgement, try gentle breast massage before feeding or pumping. If you choose to pump, only express enough to feel comfortable rather than emptying the breast entirely, which can signal your body to produce even more milk. Use cold compresses after feeding to reduce inflammation. Always monitor for fever, redness, or hard lumps, which may indicate a blocked duct or mastitis, and consult your OB-GYN if those symptoms appear.