What to do when you're feeling upset and overwhelmed by a hungry newborn and breast engorgement

Caring for your breasts and body

If you are feeling upset and overwhelmed by engorgement, with a hungry baby who is wanting to breastfeed but having trouble coming onto the breast, I recommend that you find out about

• Bringing baby on to the breast here

• Fit and hold, starting here

• Frequent and flexible breastfeeds here

• Reverse pressure softening of the area around your nipple here

• How to care for your sore and swollen breasts here.

Caring for your mind and emotions

Also, you might like to put in place some of these emergency strategies for caring for your mind and emotions.

1. Move slowly, noticing where you place your feet, how your body changes positions.

2. Pay attention to everything you touch, everything you can see and hear around you.

3. Notice your own breathing. Breathe deep and slow.

4. Remind yourself that even though baby’s cry breaks your heart, your baby will be ok.

5. Speak to yourself with great self-compassion. “You are trying so hard, you are worthy of such profound love, you are bathed in rivers of love and light. You are courageous and beautiful, you are giving it your all. I’m so proud of you!”

6. Notice that your mind wants to tell you all sorts of things which are unhelpful and may even be unkind e.g. that you are failing. This is normal behaviour for minds under stress. You don’t need to believe what your mind tells you. Let your mind play like a radio in the background.

7. It’s ok to cry. Crying doesn’t mean you’re not coping. It’s just crying.

8. Don’t hesitate to reach out for practical help.

9. Problem solve as best you can. Experiment: try one thing, then another thing.

You can find a lot of practical information about caring for your emotional and mental wellbeing in the Caring for you part of the Possums programs.