Judy -- I have same impression that you do:  severe engorgement is an
indication of a problem with breastfeeding.  I also tell moms to regard it as
a warning sign and seek help.  Transitory fullness is great.  I like to hear
the moms talk about heavy and full breasts -- perhaps some mild overfullness
easily resolved through heat and massage while breastfeeding.  Any
engorgement that impairs latch is obviously too much and cannot be what
nature intended.

Joanna Koch IBCLC in Los Altos, CA