What should I do if my breasts become engorged during weaning?
May 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Zhe
Introduction
When weaning, breastfeeding should be discontinued first. Avoid breast expression, and reduce intake of soupy or greasy foods. More than half of women experience breast pain during this period. In such cases, wearing a well-fitting bra is recommended to minimize pressure and limit physical activity. If the pain is significant, oral analgesics may be taken. Additionally, 60–90 g of raw barley (Fructus Hordei Vulgaris) can be administered once daily for 3–5 days.
Engorgement occurs when excessive blood flow and milk accumulate within the breast, or it may result from underlying mammary gland disorders. So, what should you do if you experience engorgement during weaning?
How to Manage Engorgement During Weaning
During weaning, begin by discontinuing breastfeeding entirely and avoid expressing milk manually or with a pump. Reduce intake of soups and fatty foods. Over half of women will experience breast pain under these circumstances. In such cases, wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra is recommended to minimize pressure and limit physical activity. If pain is severe, over-the-counter oral analgesics may be used. Additionally, decocting 60–90 g of raw barley in water to make a tea and consuming one dose daily for 3–5 days may help suppress lactation. Alternatively, oral vitamin B6 (200 mg) three times daily for 5–7 days may also be effective.
Abrupt cessation of breastfeeding may impede normal milk drainage, leading to pronounced breast engorgement. In reality, weaning should be a gradual process. Begin by modifying your baby’s diet—introducing appropriate complementary foods—to naturally reduce both daytime and nighttime nursing sessions, allowing the breasts to gradually return to their pre-lactation state.
Women are advised to apply warm compresses to the breasts to promote local circulation and may gently massage the area. Dietary adjustments are also important: avoid galactagogue foods such as leeks, bitter melon, and crab; instead, increase intake of high-protein foods including eggs, quail eggs, soybeans, and fish. We hope this information proves helpful!
