Ep 8 - Breast Care - Important essentials like how to relief engorgement and tips on your breastfeeding journey!

February 08, 2019
BabyDoc Club
For the UK and Ireland.
Welcome to the BabyDoc Basics podcast on Breast Care!

Welcome to this week’s BabyDoc Basics podcast for the UK and Ireland on Breast care! Over the next 5- 10 minutes we’ll talk about some important essentials such as breast pads, what products are available to relief engorgement such as a breast compresses…PLUS more mum to mum tips to help you on your breastfeeding journey! Its not always easy but help is at hand!

In the studio today is Lucy (BabyDoc Club UK) and dialling in is Karen (BabyDoc Club Ireland).
DISCLAIMER – all information is based on the experience of our Mummysavers. No brand or retailer has paid to feature in this – all recommendations are genuine.

OK…so as mums…we absolutely know that breast care is exceptionally important when feeding baby!
Avoid nasty infections such as thrush or mastitis PLUS knowing the signs of these too but that’s another podcast again!
Trying to make your breastfeeding experience as comfortable as if can be…especially in those early days when you are just getting used to the whole NEW breastfeeding wonders!
Ok Firstly Breast pads….Let’s face it…leaky boobs are a real thing! Whether it’s from the other side while you feed, or just the result of hearing a baby cry (not even yours) it can be embarrassing and occur at any time! 
Some woman will need to wear these for a few weeks/months, others may need to wear them for much longer! Also those who have a strong let down response will definite not want to leave the house without these and several spare in your bag too!
Breast pads will keep you protected, fresh and confident! All really important for any new mum! We have some TOP TIPS on breast pads…and some great product options for you to check out too! 
Secondly, lets talk about breast engorgement! Breasts can naturally become engorged with milk and can be very tender to touch! Very common while your milk is ‘coming in’ in the first few days or when you are due to feed!  Even further down the line when you are weaning baby and reducing milk feeds etc engorgement can strike!
First off…what is engorgement and how do you know if that is what is wrong?
Hard, full and sensitive breasts. Feel like going to literally burst with milk! 
Can literally feel like watermelons!
If you don’t relieve it can lead to pain/blocked ducts/mastitis, so really important to feed baby or ease it.
If its red, painful and hot to touch.. then don’t delay to seek medical advice! Temp shouldn’t be ignored.
SO…PRODUCTS that you should check out and can really help relieve painful breast engorgement - 
Lansinoh therapearl 3in 1 breast therapy €18.99/£12.99 online/amazon/mothercare…to be used hot or cold to help relive engorgement, plugged ductcs, matsitsi as well to encourage let donw
You own breast pump or the Haakaa breast pump – €24.99/ £13.99!Love love love these! Cheap…can relieve engorgement but wearing it on your other breast while feeding..PLUS save that precious milk too! Hand held, manual and easy to sterilise! Just to take the edge off!
So again …..
As we said if you can feed baby!  Your baby will def help until
Also Use cold compresses inbetween feeds
Warm towel/compress before feeding can also help.
Gentle massaging may also help to open milk ducts..warm shower head can help too!
Ensure your bra is suitable, comfortable and not too tight but supportive! Get fiited regaulry and through your feeding time…your bra size will increase dramatciallya the start and then settle down!
Cabbage leaves, but only until swelling goes down, as LONG TERM use can reduce your milk supply. 
VERY IMPORTANT – you should speak to your medical pr