Are some people more likely to experience breast engorgement?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Primary breast engorgement is very common, affecting an estimated two-thirds of people within the first week postpartum. However, there is some evidence that primary breast engorgement is more likely or more severe in first pregnancies (primiparous), in people who are unable to breastfeed within the first hour after delivery or have difficulty breastfeeding (either for maternal or infant reasons), in people who experience premenstrual breast tenderness and engorgement, in people who have breast surgery or a lumpectomy, and in people who receive large amounts of intravenous fluids during labor.[1]

    References

    1. ^Berens P, Brodribb WABM Clinical Protocol #20: Engorgement, Revised 2016.Breastfeed Med.(2016-May)