Wear a Nursing Bra to Relieve Swelling After Birth

Wear a Nursing Bra to Relieve Swelling After Birth

Discover how wearing a nursing bra can help relieve postpartum breast swelling and engorgement while providing essential support.

One of the things you may expect after delivering your baby is that your breasts will swell and may become engorged. This is because of sudden hormonal changes, coupled with the body's milk production. It is normal to notice your breasts swelling and becoming engorged with milk within three days of giving birth, which can be rather painful. One of the best ways to find relief is to wear a nursing bra.

• Purchase at least two nursing bras before your delivery date so you have something to wear at the hospital. It is best to visit a store to get measured rather than buying online. Opt for soft-cup, padded nursing bras without underwires, as underwires can be too constricting for lactating mothers. You may initially want to choose a shelf-support bra instead of one with individual cups, as it provides proper support without being too restrictive. You can purchase more bras once you are nursing more regularly and have a more accurate size.
• Understand that breast engorgement is normal after childbirth. Your breasts will not produce milk immediately after delivery; the first fluid that comes out of the nipples is high in antibodies, which your baby needs. After about three days, your breast milk will come in. Some women experience a slight fever, and their breasts may become sensitive to touch. The upper breast may feel firm, and you might notice that the veins on your breasts are more pronounced.
• Nursing bras feature either a back or front closure. What sets them apart from regular bras is that the cups have hooks or snaps that can be unhooked to expose the breast, giving the baby easy access without requiring you to remove your clothes. Change your bra daily, as leaked milk can stain the fabric and cause an odor.
• Wear your nursing bra even at night. This is especially beneficial for mothers with larger breasts. Wearing a bra consistently helps support your tender, enlarged breasts and helps them retain their pre-pregnancy shape.
• Nurse frequently. The best way to relieve pain and engorgement is to let your baby drain the milk naturally. This will also help establish a healthy milk supply, which is crucial during the first six weeks. If you are away from your baby, use a breast pump.
• Use disposable nursing pads. If your breasts become too full of milk and you are unable to nurse immediately, you may start to leak. Nursing pads are made of cotton and are similar to pads used for removing makeup. If your nipples become very sensitive, you can apply a soothing nipple cream.

Make sure you also purchase appropriate nursing shirts to complement your nursing bras. These shirts and blouses allow you to breastfeed discreetly without having to remove your top. A variety of other nursing products are also available. Nursing your baby has numerous benefits, so hang in there! In a few weeks, the pain and swelling will subside, and you will be a breastfeeding expert in no time!