What Is Breast Oedema?
Breast oedema is swelling caused by excess fluid in the breast tissue. It often happens in the early days after birth but can also occur later during breastfeeding.
Unlike engorgement (which is mainly caused by milk build-up), oedema is related to fluid retention and inflammation in the breast.
This swelling can make it harder for your baby to latch and can interfere with effective milk removal.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Oedema
You may have breast oedema if you notice:
- Swollen, puffy, or shiny-looking breasts
- Skin that feels tight or stretched
- Firmness that does not soften well after feeding
- Flattened or tight nipples
- Difficulty for baby to latch deeply
- Skin might have the appearance of that of a lemon
- Indentations in the skin after pressing (pitting oedema)
Treatment and Management of Breast Oedema
Due to the tightness of the nipple and surrounding areolar tissue, the baby is unable to draw in enough of the nipple and areola to latch effectively.
A mommy with nipple oedema usually needs help to attach her baby to the breast.
It is necessary to reduce the oedema manually using gentle pressure – reverse pressure softening.
- Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS):
This technique gently moves fluid away from the nipple area.
How to do it:
- Place your fingertips around the base of your nipple.
- Press gently inward toward the chest wall.
- Hold for 60–90 seconds.
- Rotate fingers and repeat.
This softens the areola and helps baby latch more easily.
The effect of reverse pressure softening:
️It moves excess interstitial fluid inward, in the direction of the natural lymph drainage
️It relieves over distention of the milk ducts and thus reduces latch discomfort
️It enables the infant to draw the breast in deeply. A deep latch will lead to efficient milk removal
️It stimulates the nerve supply which then triggers the milk ejection reflex
(Avoid pumping if you have not yet done RPS. The pumping can actually worsen the oedema by pulling more of the fluid under the skin towards the nipple)
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact a lactation consultant, midwife, or healthcare provider if you have:
- Severe pain
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Red, hot, or hard areas
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Ongoing latch problems
- No improvement after 24–48 hours
Written by Sr. Madeleine de Swardt (LC, RN, RM)