breast engorgement

[JulieM_1971]

My daughter was born on the 1st May and I am bottle feeding her. My breasts are very engorged and painful and have been for the past 3/4 days. Does anybody know how long this lasts for?

[ummmm]

Varies from person to person I presume. You might have another few weeks yet.

I breastfed mine so I can't give a better answer. I do know it took a few days for the milk to come in properly.

[divegirl]

Try putting cabbage leaves in your bra....honestly it works, well it helps to take down the swelling and pain.
Lisa x

[redcrx]

try not to touch them or pump from them or it will make it worse.

they should start to dry in the next few days or so.

[Schlomo78]

I had a LOT of trouble when I stopped breastfeeding - which I know you haven't - but my Dr told me to take some Epsom salts. If it doesn't stop soon and is getting painful then it's worth asking your GP or Midwife whether they advise taking them. It certainly worked in my case, a little TOO well.
Hope things get better soon :)

[boxtops]

I have heard about the cabbage leaves, a girl I work with used them and she says it worked.

[Slooow_Jo]

It took 8 days for me, I only heard about the cabbage leaves afterwards, but apparently that is the best way! but it is so important for you not to be letting any milk 'escape' like said before if it does it tricks the brain into believing its needed. Wear a bra which is at least a size too small, & don't touch! & certainly do not bend over without a bra on!

[beryl100able]

Keep expressing the milk as much as you have to in order to feel comfortable, and slowly the engorgement will lessen. Resist hormone therapy, it's unnatural and it can cause cancer to mess around with them. I wonder why you don't breastfeed? It's the best thing for regaining your figure and protecting your baby from disease. (That may be useless advice to you, but may be good for someone else).