Breast engorgement cannot always be prevented, especially the engorgement that occurs shortly after giving birth when milk production increases (called primary engorgement). Nonetheless, there are some strategies that may reduce the risk of developing engorged breasts or the engorgement severity. For primary engorgement, early skin-to-skin contact, which involves placing the dry, naked newborn baby onto the parent’s bare chest shortly after delivery and ideally until the end of the first breastfeeding, is associated with less breast engorgement and breast pain, as is early and effective breastfeeding.[1] Parents who receive thorough breastfeeding education might also be less likely to experience primary engorgement, although the evidence on this intervention is mixed.[2][3]
Are there ways to prevent primary breast engorgement?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Although primary breast engorgement cannot always be prevented, strategies such as early skin-to-skin contact and effective breastfeeding may help reduce its severity. Additionally, thorough breastfeeding education may also lower the likelihood of experiencing primary engorgement, though evidence on this is mixed.