What can I do to avoid or alleviate the pain from breast engorgement?

Breast engorgement is caused by inefficient or absent draining of the breast. It may occur 3 to 7 days postpartum, or it may occur later as the result of a delayed or missed feeding. Frequent breastfeeding or pumping can help to avoid and to treat engorgement. Warm compresses or a warm shower may facilitate milk removal, and cold compresses may decrease swelling and pain.