A mother is breastfeeding her newborn son and is experiencing signs of her breasts feeling tender and full in between infant feedings. She asks if there are any suggestions that you can provide to help alleviate this physical complaint. The ideal nursing response would be to

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The patient may be experiencing the signs of engorgement. Intervention methods such as placing the infant to feed more frequently may help prevent physical complaints of tenderness to milk accumulation. Wearing a bra at all times will not help resolve engorgement issues but can provide comfort. Ice packs provide symptomatic relief but do not resolve engorgement issues. Warm water compresses are more likely to provide comfort. Engorgement is not a normal finding but is a common presentation in nursing mothers. These symptoms will not dissipate with continuation of breastfeeding.

A Mother Is Breastfeeding Her Newborn Son and Is Experiencing