Knowledge of Breast Engorgement and Its Management Among Pregnant Women

Breast engorgement is swelling, tightness, and an increase in size of the breasts. It usually occurs in the early days of breastfeeding, between day 3 and 5, but may occur as late as day 9-10. Moderately severe breast engorgement results in hard, full, tense, warm and tender breasts with throbbing and aching pain.

Post natal period is a transition period for both the mother and the newborn , early initiation of breastfeeding helps to develop a bond between the mother and newborn. Many atimes, feeding becomes troublesome due to various factors among which is engorgement of breast.

Statistics indicate that the incidence rate of breast engorgement all over the world is 1 : 8000 and India it is 1 : 6500. Engorgement symtons occurs mostly between three and five days with more than two - third (2/3) of women with tenderness on day five, but some as late as day nine to ten