This is probably a term you have heard before, but what does engorgement really mean? Engorgement is defined as breast pain, firmness, and swelling that is usually uncomfortable. While it can happen at any time throughout a lactation journey, it most commonly occurs with the onset of mature milk production or if the breasts go too long without emptying.

D-MER is associated with brief feelings of intense dread, sadness, depression, hopelessness, and anxiety that occurs only during the letdown phase (the initial 30-90 seconds of milk ejection) and quickly resolve. Unlike postpartum depression, these feelings are fleeting and do not persist throughout the duration of the breastfeeding session or between feedings.

While the benefits of breast milk for babies are becoming well-known around the world (they do call it liquid gold for a reason), there are also many amazing advantages for moms themselves!  All the good antibodies and enzymes in breast milk help protect babies from a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, but the act of breastfeeding itself also reduces the risk of severe disorders for mothers, including some cancers!

Vasospasm occurs when blood vessels contract abnormally, resulting in impaired blood circulation, which can be quite painful. It often presents with color changes of the nipple, such as blanching (turning white) or purple, along with sharp, shooting pain in the nipple, breast, or sometimes both. It is often caused by an incorrect latch cutting off circulation to the nipple but can also result from pre-existing disorders.

Whether it be a planned or emergency c-section, it’s normal that the anticipation of surgery can cause fear or worry. I often have moms ask if their delivery method will affect the baby’s breastfeeding ability. While there can be a few added hurdles to breastfeeding when a baby is born by c-section, these are usually short-lived, and most babies go on to breastfeed without any issue.

While breastfeeding can help you lose weight due to the calorie demand required to make milk, some moms wonder if it's safe to diet while nursing. As a lactation consultant, I recommend that my clients try to intake extra calories while breastfeeding; however, there are some instances where moms can diet safely without affecting breast milk quantity or quality.

Of all the benefits breastfeeding brings to babies and their mothers, the potential to lose the extra weight pregnancy brings may be on the top of the list for many! But does breastfeeding help you lose weight faster in the postpartum period? Various studies show that mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants return to pre-pregnancy weight more quickly than those who don't.