Breast milk feeding is a natural process that starts after birth and will continue for as long as the woman and child continue. It does not start on day one, usually on the second to fifth day after you have your baby, women will notice changes in the breasts. They will become larger, somewhat firm, and slightly tender. This is because they are beginning to produce large amounts of milk. This is called postpartum breast engorgement and it happens to every woman.

Engorgement is a normal process of producing breasts milk. However, breast swelling with engorgement may cause some trouble. The engorgement may make it difficult for your baby to get milk because of one of several reasons. The first is that your baby may not be able to latch on correctly. This is an essential part of breast feeding. The child may not understand how to do it at first but eventually the neonate will figure it out. Billions of babies have been able to do so. Once the baby is able to develop a good suck and get the milk, that will reduce a lot of the engorgement. But this will have the side effect that your nipple may become sore. Soreness is a common complaint among women who are breast feeding as the sucking and tugging can be a little uncomfortable.

It is important to continue to have the child breast feed. Not releasing the pressure in your breast can cause changes in breast milk production and engorgement. If the breasts are not emptied you will make less milk or to even stop producing milk completely. That is why many women will increase breast milk pumping at times when their child is not available to take the milk. This will keep the breast producing milk for the child. The breast milk production and engorgement needs to be maintained if the woman wants to continue to breast feed. Knowing how to manage the engorgement that will occur can help any woman avoid these problems.

Postpartum breast engorgement is caused by a hormone called prolactin. The name of the hormone perfectly describes its function and a pro lactation hormone. This hormone starts to change the body right after delivery. The end result is that the breasts to start making a lot of milk. The extra blood flowing to the breasts will also add to the engorgement.

Once the baby is nursing well and the milk is flowing relatively easily, there will be a lot less swelling and firmness. Usually within a few days, the breasts will adjust to your baby’s appetite. They will produce as much milk as your baby takes from your breasts. By first week after delivery, your breasts usually will have adjusted and will be much less engorged. They will stay at this normal level until you change your breast feeding practices. Breast milk feeding is really the bet source of nutrition for a growing baby and should be provided to babies.