A postpartum client requires teaching about breast-feeding. To prevent breast engorgement, the nurse should instruct her to:

Frequent breast-feeding empties the breasts and increases circulation, helping to remove fluid that may lead to engorgement. If the infant isn't ill or physically impaired and can breast-feed, the client shouldn't use an electric breast pump because this deprives the infant of optimal sucking and skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Applying warm, moist compresses stimulates the let-down reflex and causes the breasts to fill, which may lead to engorgement. A brassiere supports the breasts but doesn't prevent engorgement.