breast feeding (full breast)
Last reviewed 11/2023
This is a normal physiological phenomenon (1).
Usually occurs between 3 to 5 days after birth as the breast milk "comes in".
- the patients feels uncomfortable and the breasts feel heavy, hot and hard, sometimes can be lumpy (1)
- shininess, oedema, or redness is not present
- the milk usually flows easily and sometimes drips out spontaneously
- both breasts are usually affected (1)
If not managed properly it may lead to breast engorgement.
Treatment options include:
- inform the patients that this is a normal occurrence
- mother should be encouraged to breast feed frequently as fullness decreases after a feed
- provide any advice on proper attachment of the infant to the breast which will improve milk removal and avoid damage to the nipples (1)
- reassure the woman that after a few days the condition resolves and the milk production adjusts to the babies needs
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