Final answer:
Engorgement can flatten the nipple and areola, making it difficult for the baby to latch and compress the breast tissue adequately to extract milk. It occurs as the body adjusts its milk supply and can also happen if breastfeeding is stopped suddenly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Engorgement makes it difficult for a baby to latch because the breasts may become very firm and swollen, which can flatten the nipple and the surrounding areola. This firmness makes it harder for the baby to compress the breast tissue adequately to extract milk. Additionally, the engorgement can lead to the areola becoming tight and taut, making it challenging for the baby to achieve a good latch, which is crucial for effective breastfeeding. Engorgement occurs particularly in the first few weeks of breastfeeding as the body is adjusting milk supply according to the infant's demand, but it can also occur if a mother suddenly stops breastfeeding. The milk that was being produced can cause the breasts to become full and leaky, mirroring the engorgement experienced initially postpartum.