A client who is breastfeeding develops engorged breasts on the third postpartum day. Which action should the nurse recommend to relieve breast engorgement?

• A. Avoid pumping her breasts
• B. Continue breastfeeding every 2 hours
• C. Skip a feeding to rest the breasts
• D. Decrease fluid intake for at least 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Engorgement happens when milk production outpaces the infant’s ability to empty the breasts, causing fullness, tenderness, and swelling. The most effective way to relieve this is to ensure regular, thorough emptying of the breasts through breastfeeding. Nursing every two hours keeps milk flowing, reduces pressure in the ducts, and helps restore comfort and milk supply. Proper latch and effective emptying are key, so encourage the baby to latch well and feed long enough to empty each breast.

If the baby isn’t draining the breast adequately, gentle milk expression before or after feeds can help soften the tissue and improve milk removal, but the aim is still frequent breastfeeding rather than skipping feeds. Hydration is important, but decreasing fluid intake won’t relieve engorgement and can be counterproductive. Warmth before feeds can promote letdown, and cool or ice packs after feeds can reduce swelling.