When breastfeeding, a seal formed what to do. Lump in the mammary gland during breastfeeding. From lactostasis to mastitis

04.07.2020

A lump in the mammary gland during breastfeeding is familiar, perhaps, to every mother. Some often encounter this phenomenon, others very rarely or never at all. But it's always unpleasant and painful. Hard breast with HV appears when milk stagnates in it.

A plug is formed, which blocks the outlet of the constantly formed milk. Further - tissue edema, redness, soreness, fever. This can be symptoms of lactostasis or a more dangerous disease - bacterial mastitis.

Causes of the appearance of seals in the mammary gland in a nursing mother

Too long breaks between feedings. Without constant movement, milk stagnates in the breast.
Feeding in the same position. Milk stagnation occurs in certain unused areas.
Unsuitable underwear that squeezes too much of the mammary glands.
Using pacifiers and feeding bottles. The baby prefers them and does not have time to empty the mother's breast.
Increased milk viscosity. This happens with excessive consumption of fatty foods.
Expression after every feed, which is highly recommended by our mothers and grandmothers. This is not necessary for on-demand feeding.
In some women, the appearance of a thickening in the chest with HB may appear even with a change in weather, temperature changes, and overwork.

Lumps in the breasts while feeding - treatment

First of all, don't stop feeding. Stagnant milk will be most effectively removed by the baby. Offer the breast to the baby more often, change positions. Best of all, he sucks milk from the area that his chin points to. This is what you should focus on. For example, if there is a tightness in the breast in the armpit area, feed the baby from under your arm, etc. Be sure to apply the baby at night to avoid too long breaks. In most cases, this helps and lactostasis disappears within one day.

If the measures taken were not enough, then you will have to additionally express your breasts. Let's describe in detail the sequence of actions:

Apply a warm compress to the affected area, such as a cloth soaked in hot water. You can just take a hot bath or shower. Important: is it impossible to warm the chest at an elevated body temperature?
Lubricate the skin with baby oil and gently massage the seal towards the nipple.
Express milk, paying special attention to the affected area. It is good to give the baby a breast right after that.
Apply a cold compress for 5-7 minutes to reduce swelling.
Traditional medicine also helps well. For example, cabbage leaf compresses, honey cake with rye flour. From pharmacy preparations, you can recommend Traumeel C cream and Arnica herbal ointment.

You can not smear the mammary glands with such means as Vishnevsky ointment, camphor, alcohol. They do not increase the outflow of milk, they have a strong odor, which can be the reason for the baby's refusal from the breast. Also, you should not restrict drinking. After all, milk production does not depend on the amount of fluid taken, but on breast stimulation.

If the lump in the breast of a nursing woman does not disappear within two days and the body temperature rises, then you should immediately consult a doctor. This can be the beginning of a dangerous disease - mastitis, complicated by an abscess. The doctor will definitely prescribe antibiotics that are compatible with breastfeeding. Sometimes an abscess can only be dealt with by surgery.

Any lump in the breast during feeding should not be ignored. But don't panic either. Follow the tips above and be healthy!

There are several reasons for its occurrence:

the feeding regime is not observed;
the baby is not sucking actively enough;
breast milk is produced in more quantities than the baby needs;
in the process of feeding, the mother supports the breast and squeezes it, etc.

The internal structure of the mammary gland is a branched system of milk sinuses and ducts. With lactostasis, breast milk stagnates in one part of the breast. The woman feels the presence of a lump in this place, and therefore nursing mothers are often interested in how to break the lumps. In reality, this seal is nothing more than a cork of thickened milk.

Lactostasis brings significant discomfort to a woman and is accompanied by pain. In addition, breast milk flows out in droplets, or not at all. The baby does not receive the necessary nutrition, and the milk is still there, because of which the breast enlarges and hurts more and more.

Expression method for lactostasis

Expressing is most effective. Therefore, often during pregnancy, doctors tell expectant mothers how to express correctly. This is especially important in lactostasis. Sometimes the painful sensations are so strong and the milk leaves so badly that women do not even know how to strain the stagnant milk.

It is important here to understand in time and distinguish lactostasis from. With the first, pumping is the only way out, and with the second, independent attempts to squeeze out milk are categorically contraindicated. In any case, even with lactostasis, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

Before straining the stagnant milk, you need to do a light massage, pre-warming the mammary glands. For this, as well as for the massage itself, warm water is perfect. You can take a bath or simply attach a towel soaked in warm water. Then, just with light massage movements in the direction from the base of the breast to the nipple, you need to "stretch" the ducts for 5-10 minutes.

Since many women do not know how to express correctly, they begin to roughly squeeze out milk, which on the one hand is very painful, but on the other does not give the desired effect. All procedures must be done slowly, smoothly and gradually. Do not expect immediate results before straining. Sometimes you need to pump for an hour or more.

Before you straighten your breasts, be sure to feed your baby. After feeding, wait about an hour, and only then can you start.

Useful materials on the topic:

How to break up clumps

Ducts thickened due to stagnation of the milk plug subjectively cause a sensation of lumps in the gland. Those breastfeeding mothers who are interested in how to break lumps should know that there are actually no lumps and nothing needs to be broken. The only way to break up the clumps is with ultrasound or magnetic therapy. In the corresponding office in the polyclinic, by means of the apparatus, waves penetrate into the deep layers of the mammary glands, and soften the milk plugs.

What problems may arise, possible solutions

The first and foremost problem is mastitis, especially. With prolonged stagnation, lactostasis almost always turns into mastitis. If your temperature rises to 37 and above, then you should suspect mastitis. If it is present, any warming up is categorically contraindicated.

Even if you know how to express correctly, it still won't help. By heating and massaging the mammary glands, you thereby intensify the inflammatory process. If there is already an abscess inside, then due to pressure it can break through. The only help for such a complication will be surgery.

The second problem with lactostasis occurs if you feed the baby before or immediately after expressing. Since the activity of the maternal hormonal system is associated with the latching of the baby to the breast, feeding before expressing will give the wrong signal to the body to produce more milk, because it focuses on the needs of the babies. After expressing, the body will also assume that it needs more milk. And an increase in its production will aggravate lactostasis.

The solution is how to express correctly. This should be done in lieu of one, two, or three feeds. This will allow the hormonal system to treat pumping as a normal meal for your baby, and will not change the amount of breast milk.

Expected Result

If this is really lactostasis, and not mastitis, then relief will come in the first hour after expressing, provided that the cork is pushed through by the flow of milk and comes out. However, lactostasis can also easily occur a second time. Therefore, for prevention, you must follow all the rules of feeding.

Stagnant breast milk is called lactostasis.... Almost all women face this condition.

This is due to the structure of the mammary glands and other factors.

Treatment of stagnant milk in a nursing mother at home is carried out with the help of massage, medicines and folk remedies.

Causes

Before removing stagnant breast milk, you should analyze the causes of this problem. These include the following:

It is quite easy to detect milk stagnation.... This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

local swelling of the mammary gland, inside which there is a seal;
pain in the area of blockage of the ducts;
redness of the chest in the area of localization of stagnation;
increase in temperature.

If the temperature rises to 39 degrees, this is a very dangerous condition.... It indicates the development of purulent inflammation in the chest. In such a situation, a doctor's consultation is imperative.

What to do with stagnant milk in a nursing mother? This question worries many women.

First of all, it should be understood that lactostasis not only causes severe discomfort, but also poses a health hazard. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, there is a threat of serious complications.

These include violations of the lactation process, when the baby cannot cope with stagnation in the breast and receive milk. Also, stagnation can provoke the development of infectious pathologies and mastitis.

Answering the question of how to get rid of this problem, it is worth advising performing massage and pumping.

Of course, this procedure is best carried out by a specialist - a massage therapist or obstetrician. He will quickly cope with the problem and tell you how to sort out milk stagnation at home.

If you cannot see a specialist, you can improve the condition yourself. How to express breast milk with your hands during stagnation? To do this, it is recommended to do the following:

This procedure must be performed every time as needed. At the same time, you should not get carried away too much. Before kneading your breasts, you should still consult with your doctor.

Too often performing the procedure increases the amount of milk, which can only aggravate the situation.

Answering the question of how to break a lump in the chest, one should not forget about folk remedies. There are quite a few effective recipes that help eliminate the problem:

Doctors advise against doing the following:

It is strictly forbidden to endure or wait for stagnation to pass on its own... The earlier the treatment is started, the more effective it will be. If independent methods of therapy do not help, you should consult a doctor.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of milk stagnation, you should adhere to the rules of prevention:

Milk stagnation is a rather serious disorder that can cause dangerous consequences. If therapy is not started on time, a purulent process may develop, which will require surgical intervention.

If within 2 days it is not possible to cope with the symptoms of lactostasis, you should consult a doctor... The specialist will tell you how to massage your breasts.

Lactostasis is a blockage of the milk duct. The breast of a nursing woman is divided into several lobes (15-25), each lobe exits by a duct in the nipple. If any of these ducts is pinched, then the release of milk is hampered and a kind of milk plug is formed, which does not allow milk to flow well from this duct. This place swells, becomes painful. When expressing the affected breast, you can notice that milk does not flow from a certain part of the nipple or that it drips little by little, but from the rest of the nipple, it can flow in trickles.
If we do not take into account the soreness of the breast, then in general the nurse feels well, the temperature does not rise.
Lactostasis can develop in a nursing woman at any period of breastfeeding and when the child is one month, or five, or even a year old.
So, the main reason for this ailment is poor emptying of the breast or a certain part of it. But, it is important not to miss the moment and take all measures to eliminate the blockage of the milk duct, otherwise the situation may worsen.
It was widely believed that lactostasis begins after a woman is blown out in rainy weather or she gets her feet wet. Now we know that this cannot be the cause of lactostasis.
The main thing in the treatment is no warming compresses.

Uninfected mastitis is a more complex form of lactostasis, the symptoms are about the same, but with greater intensity. The woman's state of health worsens, the disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature from 38 degrees and above, painful tuberosity and redness appear over the bump, pain in the area of compaction can be felt when walking, when the position of the body changes.
To determine whether the increase in temperature is related to breast problems, it is necessary to measure the temperature in several places - under both armpits, in the elbow, in the groin. If the temperature in the armpits is at its highest, then we consider it a symptom of uninfected mastitis.
Treatment is the same as with lactostasis (expressing 3 times a day and frequent latching of the baby to the breast).

Infected mastitis is an inflammatory process and should be treated immediately. However, the baby does not need to be weaned. A woman should consult a doctor (surgeon) for help. The doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics, but he must be warned that you want to continue breastfeeding. Do not rely only on medication, without expressing it will not be effective.
Expressions should not be done by hand so that the infection does not spread to neighboring areas. It is impossible to make warm compresses with infected mastitis, as they can provoke the development of an abscess. If all the measures for treating mastitis are effective, then pumping ends on the 10th day.

If you have a situation of lactostasis or mastitis, it is best to seek help from specialists.

Lactostasis is a common pathology faced by a large number of women who have given birth to a child. Help with lactostasis can be based not only on increased feeding of the child, but also on the use of some other methods of treatment.

Briefly about the disease

In the modern world, it is rare to find women who coped with feeding a baby in the first months on their own, but they are still found. At the same time, there are even fewer women who have not experienced milk stagnation in the glands, but have already survived all the crises of early childhood.

Naturally, there are women who have experienced mild lactostasis, faced only with heaviness and discomfort in the mammary gland, and with redness of the skin. In such cases, the child helped them cope with the pathology.

But there are women who learned about the disease for other, more unpleasant symptoms, such as:

a sharp jump in body temperature;
strong painful sensations that become more intense in response to pressure;
large seals found in the chest, painful when pressed.

The causes of lactostasis can be very diverse, but most often it is the wrong feeding regime for the child, which is rather difficult to establish in the first months of life.

How to do massage correctly

Breast massage with lactostasis is one of the main ways to help a nursing mother, so it is important to carry it out correctly, following all the recommendations. There are a number of simple rules:

If the massage delivers an excessive amount of uncomfortable sensations, then you can combine it with taking a warm shower. This approach of the mute will relax the muscles and reduce the amount of discomfort.

Medicines for lactostasis

Help with lactostasis is based not only on massage. So, for example, although with caution, women are often prescribed various drugs aimed at relieving symptoms.

Physiotherapy and compresses

Physiotherapy for lactostasis is used, although not often. Of the methods of physiotherapy for lactostasis, darsonval can be used.

Darsonval is a special device that acts on the body with high-frequency currents. Darsonval for pathology of milk stagnation is best used 10-15 minutes before feeding or expressing.

The procedure should last 10-15 minutes. When using Darsonval, maximum attention should be paid to those places in the chest where the seals are located.

There are many recommendations for the use of compresses for the treatment of pathologies such as lactostasis. Recipes, of course, are also offered a variety, but you can use alcohol, vodka, camphor oil, honey and other ingredients.

Lactostasis is an unpleasant but common pathology. Women who encounter it should not grab onto antibiotics. After all, antibiotics are a way out only when inflammatory processes begin in the chest. And taking antibiotics of your own choice is often dangerous.

The best thing a woman can do with lactostasis is to see a doctor and breastfeed her baby more often.

Breastfeeding is ideal for the growth of a healthy baby. It is mother's milk that is not only the tastiest for the baby, but also the most useful. Its unique composition cannot be replicated by any nutritional institute engaged in research on the development of artificial formula for feeding babies. It strengthens the immune system of the newborn, giving him the strength for life. Mom's milk is an ideal product for a baby.

It contains balanced vitamins and minerals, hormones and fats, unique proteins and carbohydrates, as well as irreplaceable biologically active water!

Breastfeeding women often face the problem of milk stagnation in the mammary gland - lactostasis.

Stagnant milk in a nursing mother, what to do?

Stagnation occurs due to many reasons, so their elimination is the main condition so that the situation does not repeat itself. Lactostasis is defined as a painful lump in a portion of the breast due to stagnation in the milk ducts of milk. What can cause lactostasis:

Too much break between feedings of the newborn. Newly arriving milk begins to accumulate, since the "old" milk has not left the ducts of the mammary gland.
Stagnation in a separate part of the breast due to the fact that the mother feeds the newborn in the same position. Most often, congestion occurs in the armpit of the chest.
If a mother is wearing underwear for nursing mothers that does not fit her size.
Performing repetitive housework that requires tension in certain muscles of the arms, chest, for example, whitewashing ceilings, hanging curtains, etc.
Fatigue and lack of sleep also provoke milk stagnation.

Milk stagnation in a nursing mother, which is not given due attention, can turn into a serious inflammation of the mammary gland - mastitis, which requires serious treatment, including surgery, antibiotics, etc.

What if there is lactostasis?

If there are painful sensations in the breast, redness in the upper part, then there is stagnation of milk in the breast. If a woman is young and inexperienced, begins to be very nervous about this, then it is advisable to immediately call a breastfeeding specialist to give his recommendations and reassure the woman. The fact is that such situations can arise during the period of breastfeeding more than once or twice! Sometimes, even a change in the weather, a woman's violation of the drinking regimen or fatigue can provoke stagnant milk. The simplest and most effective way to solve this issue is the need to attach the baby to the breast, which has a problem. The baby does not always dissolve the breast with lactostasis with great desire, since he has to make more efforts in order to receive milk.

In order for the baby to suckle the breast exactly in the place where there is a problem, it must be applied accordingly.

How to attach a baby to the mammary gland?

The baby works more actively with the lower jaw while sucking, therefore, in order to dissolve the area where the milk has accumulated, the baby's chin should point to it.

If milk stagnation occurs in the armpit area, which most often occurs, then the newborn should be laid down so that he sucks from under the arm.
The baby resolves congestion in the middle part in a lying position on its side, but the problematic breast is given from above!
If the lower part has suffered from stagnation, then feeding is carried out in the position of the child sitting on mother's lap, facing mother.
Congestion in the upper part - dissolves from an unusual feeding position. The child is placed on the bed with their feet away from themselves, and the mother bends towards him so that the baby is upside down in comparison with the usual position.

It is worth feeding a child during stagnation every 1-2 hours in order to quickly cope with the problem. At night, it is also important that the baby suckles at the breast without provoking new congestion. If there is a lot of milk, then after feeding the baby, it is necessary to carefully express the remaining milk. In order to facilitate the process of expressing milk, if there is lactostasis, it is necessary to slightly prepare the mammary gland for expression. If there is no temperature, then a warm compress is applied to the mammary gland, for example, a hot diaper (for 7-10 minutes). You can take a hot shower. Then lubricate it with baby cream and, with movements from top to bottom, from under the armpits, move the milk to the nipples. Then this process will be less painful.

After pumping, you can put on a cool compress for five minutes, such as a hot water bottle with ice. This will help relieve swelling from the chest. After pumping, you can give the baby a breast so that he completely straightens out the stagnation. He will do it just fine!

Folk remedies

Folk remedies will also help to eliminate stagnation in the mammary gland of a nursing mother:

Cabbage leaf compress. It is necessary to knead the cabbage leaf so that the juice is released, and apply it to the painful part of the chest.
Honey cakes. They are mixed with honey and rye flour. They are applied to painful areas.

What shouldn't be done?

Refuse to breastfeed your baby. Many women, when faced with a problem of this property for the first time, are afraid to feed a child. Thinking that her milk might taste differently, cause stomach pain in a newborn, etc. - are wrong. Milk, which causes pain and discomfort in the mother, is absolutely safe for the little one and does not differ at all from milk in the other mammary gland, without stagnation. Therefore, the baby must be attached to this breast! It is your baby who will help you get rid of this condition.
You can also not limit your drinking regime. Mom should drink at least two liters of fluid per day.
Also, you shouldn't warm up your breast if you don't plan on feeding or pumping. Heating causes milk to flow!
If there is a high temperature, then it is impossible to warm the mammary glands in any case!
Making compresses based on camphor alcohol
Rub with alcohol

Be an "ostrich"! It is impossible not to notice the problem, hoping that it will be resolved by itself!

Lactostasis in a nursing mother: symptoms and treatment

Stagnation of milk when breastfeeding a child is a very common occurrence and is called lactostasis. It occurs due to stagnation of milk in one or more ducts. Doctors say that lactostasis is very dangerous, as it can lead to a disease such as mastitis or even to oncology. Any of the nursing mothers has gone through this unpleasant disease at least once. Many mothers are interested in how to determine the first symptoms of the disease and what to do in order to carry out the correct treatment. This article discusses in detail lactostasis in a nursing mother, the symptoms and treatment of this disease.

Lactation concept

Everyone knows that after childbirth, the process of the appearance of breast milk in a nursing mother occurs on average on the 3rd day. Before that, a woman excretes colostrum, then milk. This process is accompanied by slight swelling as filling occurs. In the first days of breastfeeding, doctors recommend expressing. This can be done with special breast pumps or manually. Breast milk is divided into two types: front and back. If you do not express milk on time, then it stagnates, because the child is still quite small and cannot fully empty the breast.

"In the early days, it is imperative to pump out to prevent stagnation."

The concept of lactostasis, the main symptoms and causes

Among women who feed their children with breast milk in the first years of life, the disease lactostasis is very common: what is it? From a medical point of view, this can be described as a process of blockage of the milk ducts, as a result of which the movement of milk stops and an inflammatory process begins. As is known from the anatomical structure, there are 15 to 25 milk ducts in a woman's chest. During the period of lactostasis, milk accumulates in one or more of these channels. With lactostasis, the symptoms of milk stagnation are the same for all women: edema forms, pain appears in the area where the stagnant milk is located. This disease can occur when feeding a child of any age, as well as with hepatitis B of the second or subsequent children. When milk is stagnant, some women consider stopping feeding altogether.

The reasons for lactostasis can be very diverse:

First of all, a violation of the sequence of feeding. Many women prefer to feed more often from the same breast, simply because it is more convenient for them. But it is for this reason that breast milk stagnates in the other.
Temporary restriction of sucking for the baby. Many women do not want to just sit for several hours and wait for the baby to suck milk and therefore forcibly interrupt this process after a while. Because of this, the duct is not completely emptied and stagnation occurs again. It is important to remember that the process of emptying the breast is different for each child: for some, 20 minutes is enough, while others may spend several hours behind this process.
Feeding in one position. It is very important to change the position, since when feeding in one position, only certain areas in the breast are emptied, and during lactation it is important that milk is emptied evenly.
Improper attachment. Young mothers, due to their inexperience, do not know how to properly attach the baby to the breast, thus, he takes only the nipple into his mouth, but must the entire areola area. It is because of this that women often face cracked nipples.
The woman expresses very often. In the past, doctors recommended pumping as often as possible to improve milk flow. But you need to forget about it! The breast produces as much milk as the baby consumes. Thus, with frequent expression, its amount increases, the child does not completely empty it and breast lactostasis occurs.
Abrupt refusal of the child to breastfeed or the addition of complementary foods to the diet. In this case, there is also an accumulation of excess milk, which leads to blockages of the milk ducts.
Incorrectly selected laundry. It is very important to choose a comfortable bra, it provides the correct support for the breasts, does not squeeze the ducts.
Many young mothers can simply chill their breasts corny. In this case, in nursing mothers, the milk channels are narrowed, milk does not move well in the mammary gland and a blockage forms.
Wrong sleeping posture. Sleeping on the stomach is strongly discouraged for nursing mothers. Since it is in this position that strong pressure is exerted on the breast, milk stagnation occurs.
Constant stress. Do not forget to seek the help of family members, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding. Due to constant lack of sleep, stress, increased physical exertion, narrowing of the ducts in the chest can occur, which will eventually result in lactostasis.

soreness and swelling of the chest;
redness at the site of stagnation;
hardening of the breast;
poor milk flow.

Further, the body temperature rises, soreness appears when walking, the redness of the area on the chest increases. If the temperature rises to around 39, this is a very dangerous symptom and can lead to mastitis. Therefore, it is very important to determine the first symptoms in time and get advice from your doctor. Any specialist who understands will first send a woman to undergo a breast ultrasound scan. Next, we will look at how to remove milk stagnation in nursing mothers, what to do if problems cannot be avoided.

“What is lactostasis? This is the process of stagnation of milk in the milk ducts. When diagnosed with lactostasis, the causes of the occurrence are as follows: improper attachment to the breast, a long interval between feedings, sleeping on the stomach, stress, etc. Lactostasis - the main symptoms: chest pain, hardening of a certain area, increased body temperature. "

Treatment

When there was milk stagnation in a nursing mother, what should I do? If a woman is faced with lactostasis, treatment is carried out in several stages. First aid for lactostasis will be provided by a gynecologist. If a woman understands that milk stagnation has occurred, first you need to contact the nearest medical institution. After examination, the doctor will determine the degree of the disease and select the correct treatment. If it is not possible to immediately contact a specialist, a woman is interested in what to do in case of stagnation? So many mothers are interested in how to treat lactostasis on their own? This is a very complicated process; only an experienced specialist can provide correct treatment. In case of untimely access to a doctor, you can wait for mastitis.

On the Internet, you can find various photos of women who are faced with this problem. This will help to make sure that you still have milk stagnation.

How to deal with stagnation will be told in more detail by a gynecologist. You can cure lactostasis at home. First of all, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs, they will lower the temperature and relieve pain a little. It can be Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Panadol.

It is imperative to apply the baby to the painful breast as often as possible, try to stretch the hardened areas and regularly express stagnant milk.

Important! Expression should be carried out until the breast is relieved, but not until it is completely empty. This can lead to even more stagnation.

Massage is very effective in the treatment of lactostasis in a nursing woman. It can be performed both independently and with the help of an experienced massage therapist.

For self-massage, you must:

wash your hands thoroughly and lubricate with oil or baby cream for better gliding over the body;
massage not only on certain areas of the chest, but around the entire perimeter;
identify with "stagnant" areas;
knead the hardened areas with gentle massage movements, while milk is expressed;
After the massage, a cool compress is applied to the chest to slow down further milk production.

After that, it is imperative to give the baby a breast so that he sucks off the remaining milk on his own. This type of pumping can be done 2-3 times a day. The correct massage technique in the treatment of lactostasis in nursing mothers is as follows: carry out in a supine position, with gentle movements move from below from the breast to the nipple, slightly pressing on it. After the massage, you can take a warm shower.

white cabbage leaf. It needs to be washed well and pierced in several places to release juice, applied to the painful area. Change the sheet every 30 minutes;
honey-based compresses. It can be applied to a cabbage leaf or mixed with flour until firm. Apply several times a day;
cottage cheese compresses. It should be slightly chilled, apply for 15 minutes.

Treatment of lactostasis can be effectively supplemented with various ointments. Traumeel is very popular among them, it helps to relieve soreness and inflammation in the chest. Recommended to be applied 5-6 times a day. In no case should alcohol compresses be used, since heat only enhances lactation. Many young mothers fought lactostasis, using compresses with camphor oil, as a result of which they got an aggravation of the condition.

Remember that when treating lactostasis, you need to apply the baby to the breast as often as possible, especially at night. It is at night that the baby sucks out not only "front" milk, but also "back milk".

“If lactostasis occurs in a nursing mother, then first of all it is necessary to consult a doctor, then regularly massage and express breast milk, apply the baby to a painful breast as often as possible.”

Stagnation prevention

Those women who have at least once faced the problem of milk stagnation know that this problem can be prevented. Prevention of lactostasis is carried out as follows:

Use the correct postures when feeding, for this you can consult with a breastfeeding specialist.
Perform the technique of correct attachment to the chest.
Feed the baby on demand, not strictly by the hour.
Not expressing after breastfeeding will result in excess breast milk.
Wear the correct and comfortable underwear.
Choosing the right sleeping position.
Monitor your daily breast hygiene.
Avoid hypothermia, various stressful situations.

If during the period of breastfeeding there is an excess of milk, then lactostasis in nursing mothers, the symptoms and treatment of which we discussed in the article, cannot be avoided. It should be noted that the treatment of lactostasis is mandatory, if you start this problem, you can face a more dangerous disease, such as mastitis. A woman can get rid of milk stagnation on her own or with the help of a doctor. When diagnosed with lactostasis, it is better not to delay treatment. Having discovered the first symptoms of blockage of the milk canals, you should not delay treatment. And remember that we are not fighting this problem alone, but together with the child.

Lactostasis in a nursing mother: symptoms and treatment Link to main publication

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If there is milk stagnation in the breast of a nursing mother: what to do

If there is milk stagnation in a nursing mother, what to do with the current problem, all women need to know at the stage of planning pregnancy or carrying a baby.

Stagnation of milk in the glands is called lactostasis. With a timely referral to a specialist with subsequent treatment, the pathology is easily eliminated. But if you ignore the situation, the woman exposes herself to the risk of serious complications.

Stagnation of milk in the glands is called lactostasis.

Causes of lactostasis

Like any disease, lactostasis is easier to prevent than to cure later. If you know the reasons that affect the stagnation of milk in the mammary glands and try not to provoke their occurrence, then the likelihood of the appearance of pathology is significantly reduced. It should be borne in mind that the appearance of lactostasis is quite painful, so this problem will be difficult to miss.

Milk stagnation during breastfeeding can occur:

If you rarely or irregularly latch on the baby to the breast. In the first 2 weeks after the onset of lactation, the arrival of milk is intense. If you do not express it in time, then it will stagnate.
Large amounts of milk and narrow ducts.
Feeding pain caused by cracked nipples. The woman cannot withstand the pain syndrome and does not feed the child.
Uneven breast emptying due to improper attachment of the crumbs.
Compression of the breast during feeding. This leads to the fact that not all milk comes out of the gland. Pinching of the glands can occur if the woman wears a smaller bra or tight clothing. Sleeping on your stomach is also not recommended.
Stressful situations, overwork of the body, hypothermia, intense physical activity. All this can lead to a spasm of the ducts.

Before you get rid of milk stagnation on your own, it is recommended to visit a doctor. A gynecologist, mammologist or surgeon can help in this matter. You need to make sure that the symptoms that appear are really signs of lactostasis, and not another disease of the mammary glands.

You can suspect a pathological process by the following signs:

feeling of distention of the glands;
complete or partial breast hardening;
pain syndrome;
increased body temperature.

If, when such symptoms appear, milk stagnation is not immediately removed, then mastitis will begin to develop. Literally in a few days, with severe inflammation, a purulent process may begin. Lumps in your breasts will become hot, symptoms of discomfort will worsen, and the thermometer may rise to 40 ° C or more.

There are many ways to clear up stagnant breast milk. Surgery is considered a last resort, but sometimes necessary. It is resorted to when other methods of treatment do not help, and the pathology threatens the patient's life.

If milk stagnation has formed in the breast, you can not refuse breastfeeding. The child is the first helper who will help the mother solve her problem. You need to choose the right position for feeding. It should be borne in mind that the baby sucks milk more intensively with the lower jaw. Therefore, it must be applied to the breast so that the child's lower lip is on the side of the problem area. For example, if stagnation has formed in the left breast, the baby is fed lying on the right side. If the seal is from below, then during a meal, the mother should put the child down and bend over him.

Lactostasis (video)

Straining, massage and compresses

It happens that after feeding, milk remains in the breast. This problem is especially relevant for those mothers in whom its quantity significantly exceeds the child's need. Under these circumstances, the remaining milk should be expressed at the end of breastfeeding. This can be done by hand, but a breast pump is more effective.

Warm compresses can help improve milk flow, especially at the beginning of breastfeeding. This requires a warm towel to be applied to the chest before placing the baby. It should be borne in mind that this method is only suitable if lactostasis is not accompanied by an increased body temperature.

Doctors often recommend using camphor oil as a remedy to relieve stagnation. It is applied directly to the seal site. After the compress, you need to thoroughly hygiene the mammary glands. The fact is that the smell of camphor oil is quite specific for a baby, and he can refuse to breast.

The massage is recommended for women not only when there is congestion in the chest. With its help, you can improve the outflow of fluid from the glands. Before proceeding with the procedure, you need to perform hygiene and lubricate the breast with a cream or other fatty agent that will prevent damage to the epidermis.

The massage should not be aggressive, as such actions can damage the overcrowded structures of the mammary glands. All movements should be directed from the periphery to the nipple. They are performed gently, in the form of stroking and in the form of a spiral. This will make it possible to express not only the front milk, but also the back milk. Seals can also be gently massaged. At the end of the procedure, after removing the remaining oil or cream from the skin, it is recommended to bend over and shake your chest. Thus, the milk moves along the ducts to the nipples. You can start feeding or pumping immediately afterwards.

It should be borne in mind that the appearance of lactostasis is quite painful, so this problem will be difficult to miss.

Drug treatment

With lactostasis, a woman can also be prescribed drug treatment. This method of solving the problem is resorted to only when there is a serious need. All drugs, as well as their dosage, should be prescribed only by a doctor. It should be borne in mind that when using most drugs, a woman will have to give up breastfeeding. For the period of the therapeutic course, a young mother can independently and regularly express milk so that lactation does not stop.

With lactostasis, a woman can also be prescribed drug treatment.

When the treatment is complete, she can continue breastfeeding.

Antispasmodics. They are prescribed to eliminate spasms, which not only helps to relax the muscles, but also expands the ducts of the glands. It should be borne in mind that drugs of this group are not taken for prophylaxis. They will not dilate the ducts without lactostasis.
Drugs that reduce milk production until it is completely absent. One of these products is Dostinex. It helps with lactostasis, but if a woman does not want to stop breastfeeding, this method of treatment is not suitable for her.
Antipyretic and pain relievers. Prescribed as symptomatic treatment.
Antibiotics Taking such drugs is indicated for women if an acute course of the inflammatory process is diagnosed in the chest.

Mastitis in a nursing mother (video)

Prohibited actions

Remove stagnant milk in the mammary glands carefully. Misuse of medicines can worsen the problem.

It is necessary to remember: it is allowed to make a warm compress for a better outflow of fluid from the glands, only if the baby is fed or expressed immediately after it. At other times, such compresses will only increase milk production, which will accumulate and intensify the stagnation phenomenon.

Drinking warm drinks should be kept to a minimum, as it stimulates lactation. It should be understood that a woman is allowed to drink as much water as the body requires, so as not to provoke dehydration. It is warm drinks that promote milk production.

The most important rule that a woman should adhere to when symptoms of lactostasis occur is not to let the disease take its course. If alarming symptoms arise, consulting a specialist will be the first step towards solving the problem.

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Lactostasis in a nursing mother

Breastfeeding is very important for your baby's health and development. For the mother, it also has one important advantage - there is no need for careful preparation of artificial mixtures, in which the appropriate concentration and temperature should be strictly adhered to. Considering that a newborn baby eats almost every two hours, the presence of breast milk makes it much easier to care for the baby.

Unfortunately, during breastfeeding, lactostasis often occurs - a condition in which the milk ducts in the mammary glands become clogged, which provokes congestion. It should be noted that this violation requires immediate treatment, since a violation of the outflow of breast milk leads to the active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, which causes purulent mastitis. The therapy for this disease is already quite complicated and requires the use of antibacterial drugs or even surgery.

Etiology of lactostasis

Among the causal factors that predetermine the stagnation of milk in the mammary glands are the following:

improper feeding of the child, when a lot of time passes between attachments to the breast;
a fairly common tendency among modern women is the unauthorized transfer of a baby to artificial feeding, even with sufficient lactation;
the cause of lactostasis can be insufficiently active sucking of a child who is simply lazy or does not know how to firmly cover the nipple of the breast, for example, with its flat shape;
hyperlactation, when too much milk is formed, due to which the mammary gland cannot empty normally;
lactostasis develops against the background of anatomically narrowed milk ducts;
the mother's habit of sleeping on her stomach, as well as wearing too tight clothes or an uncomfortable bra, which disrupts the normal flow of breast milk and causes it to stagnate;
hypothermia;
dehydration;
injuries and tumors of the mammary glands;
the emotional state of a woman has a serious impact on the lactation process. So, overwork and constant stressful situations cause blockage of the milk ducts;

What to do if you suspect lactostasis?

If, on palpation of the breast, a woman notices compaction, and visually - hyperemia, this may be the first signal of developing milk stagnation. At the site of the blockage of the milk duct, the tissues become swollen and painful to the touch. With the active development of the pathological process, a woman's body temperature rises. The mammary gland increases in size, dilated veins appear on it.

It is worth noting that at the slightest discomfort, appropriate therapy should be carried out. The first thing a woman needs to do is to put her baby to her breast more often. If this does not improve the condition, you will have to pump. In this case, you can use special breast pumps or hand pumping, but not more often 1-3 times a day. If you do this constantly, the secretion of milk will increase, which will further worsen the woman's condition.

With severe soreness and tension of the breast, severe inflammation in the tissues of the breast can develop. Therefore, you should contact a mammologist who will help to overcome milk stagnation with the help of a special massage or safe pharmacological therapy. It is necessary to pay attention to the daily amount of liquid that a woman drinks during lactation. So, it is recommended for her in the first 7 days after childbirth to take no more than a liter of liquid, which will prevent excessive flushes of milk.

Applying a warming compress or a warm shower is beneficial because the heat causes the ducts of the mammary glands to expand. Physiotherapeutic procedures - UHF, ultrasound also contribute to the better outflow of milk.

It must also be remembered that during feeding, the baby should be positioned near the breast in such a way that his nose and chin are directed towards the most painful place. It is important to know that a woman should express a small amount of milk by hand or using a breast pump before feeding her baby. After the baby has eaten, it is recommended to apply a cool compress to the breasts. This will reduce swelling and dull some pain.

Women with lactostasis should massage the affected breast. At the same time, movements should be light, since excessive pressure provokes damage to the tissues of the mammary glands and the formation of even larger hardenings. It is better if such a massage is carried out by a specialist in this field.

In some cases, traditional methods of treatment help with milk stagnation. A cabbage leaf is often used, on which incisions should be made and applied to the diseased breast. This will relieve pain and lower body temperature. With lactostasis, you can also apply a gauze bandage, previously soaked in chamomile infusion. Topical flatbreads, which consist of chopped onions, fresh honey and rye flour, are beneficial. Relief is also brought by the application to the affected mammary gland of warm onions, which should first be baked in the oven.

With the timely implementation of measures that contribute to a better outflow of milk, the woman's condition quickly improves, and the complication in the form of mastitis does not develop.

The article was written specially for www.nasheditya.ru

nasheditya.ru

2018 Blog about women's health.

Every woman sooner or later learns the joy of motherhood, however, in addition to positive aspects, some health nuances may appear that can be avoided by knowing in advance about the possibility of their occurrence. So, it can appear during feeding. This problem occurs in almost all nursing mothers. This appears due to certain reasons, and in almost all women.

The reasons for the lump in the mammary gland during feeding can be different:

Infection (abscess).
(lactostasis).
General inflammatory process (mastitis).

It should be noted that sometimes during pressing on the tubercle, the temperature rises and painful sensations appear. In such a situation, you should run to the doctor immediately. The fact is that self-medication can lead to an aggravation of the disease and to the loss of milk in general.

Compaction in the mammary gland during feeding, as mentioned above, can be a sign of lactostasis, which develops as a result of blockage of the milk ducts. Milk begins to accumulate, because the breast is not emptied completely, therefore, a seal appears. In order to determine whether it is lactostasis, it is necessary to measure body temperature in several places: under both armpits, in the groin and in the elbow. In the event that it is the highest under the armpits, this is considered a sign or uninfected mastitis.

A lump in the mammary gland during feeding can be a sign of infected mastitis, a disease that occurs as a result of infection from the outside. But even in this case, it is not necessary to wean the baby from the breast, unless only if there is an abscess.

In any case, a woman should contact, if not a gynecologist, then immediately to a surgeon who will help determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Thus, it will be possible not only to eliminate the seal in the mammary gland during feeding, but also to avoid the development of inflammation.

There are several factors when the presence of such a seal should be of particular concern:

It is motionless and tight.
Blood comes out of the nipple.
The shape of the nipple is unusual: more retracted or tilted than usual.
Swollen lymph nodes.

If these signs are present, it is necessary to undergo an examination for the presence of oncological diseases.

Compaction of the mammary gland in women can occur not only under but also under other circumstances. This may be evidence:

Cysts are small cavities where fluid accumulates. It has a smooth shape, firm consistency and mobility to the touch. If you press on it, painful sensations appear.
Mastopathy. The nodules in this case can be the size of a pea or even a walnut. Sometimes, with a disease, they can appear. You should start to worry if they turn brown or mixed with blood.
Thrombophlebitis. The vein wall becomes inflamed, resulting in a blood clot. Signs: redness at the site of formation, fever, chills.

Finding a lump in the mammary gland during breastfeeding, many women begin to panic. This is understandable, because in the first days and weeks of feeding the baby, the lactation process has not yet returned to normal, and the milk ducts can easily clog and become inflamed. You can cope with the problem on your own if the lumps in the chest do not cause severe discomfort, and there are no signs of mastitis development. In order not to aggravate the situation and get rid of the seals, a nursing mother needs to be treated correctly, what exactly can be done will be discussed today.

Causes of breast lumps

The reasons for the appearance of lumps in the chest can be different.

Doctors say that the appearance of lumps in the mammary glands during breastfeeding is not uncommon. The main thing is to consult a specialist when lumps are found in the chest and take timely measures to combat the problem. So it will be possible to avoid complications and continue breastfeeding, because mother's milk is a source of nutrients that a baby needs for growth and development.

Lumps in the mammary gland that form when breastfeeding without fever affects one or both breasts at once. The mechanism of their appearance is as follows - in some parts of the gland, the milk ducts expand, due to which the rate of passage of fluid to the nipple decreases. With a large amount of fatty milk, stagnation occurs with the formation of a plug of fat, the walls of the duct are stretched, giving the woman pain. This condition is called lactostasis, and the reasons for the appearance of lumps lie in the following:

nervous stress and hypothermia - as a result of anxiety and disturbance of the temperature balance, a spasm and narrowing of a certain part of the milk duct occurs. The wall in front of him is stretched, due to which lactation is disrupted and a seal occurs;
pumping unnecessarily - before, doctors advised women to completely express the remaining milk after latching on the baby. But the gland perceives this as complete devastation and produces even more milk, because of which the ducts do not have time to remove it completely, clogging up and forming stagnation;
too fatty milk - it can thicken due to a lack of fluid in a woman's body, especially in summer, then fat plugs form in the ducts and signs of lactostasis appear;
feeding in the same position - the baby does not dissolve those parts of the gland in which more milk has accumulated. This usually happens if the mother feeds the baby only in a sitting position, guiding his chin towards the center of the breast;
long breaks between feedings - earlier feeding was carried out on schedule every 3-4 hours, and at night the baby was given a bottle of water instead of a breast. But many mothers cannot hear children's crying during the demand to feed the baby, which is why the gland is even more filled with milk, clogging up and amazed at the seals.

Lactostasis can occur due to trauma and even a small blow to the chest. The ducts become swollen and blocked, resulting in a seal. Women with inverted nipples suffer from signs of lactostasis when the baby is unable to capture it properly. Also, the risk of lump formation is higher for moms who wear tight, uncomfortable underwear and sleep on their stomachs at night.

Symptoms, how lactostasis manifests itself

Lactostasis-induced lumpiness in the breast during breastfeeding is not dangerous in itself and is quite common among breastfeeding mothers. But it is necessary to get rid of it, otherwise the risk of mastitis formation increases, which already poses a threat of suppuration. Lactostasis can be recognized by the following symptoms:

pain in the gland;
seals that disappear for a while after massage;
uneven milk flow from the affected gland;
breast enlargement due to a large amount of milk;
tissue swelling and redness are located above the seal and indicate the presence of an inflammatory process.

The skin of the mammary gland is covered with a visible mesh of veins, and engorgement persists even after feeding and expressing milk by hand. The temperature during lactostasis usually does not rise, but it can reach 37-38 o C. If the soreness of the seal in the mammary gland during breastfeeding increases, and the temperature rises to 39-40 o C, this indicates a neglected lactostasis and requires an ambulance.

Differences between lactostasis and other breast diseases

A painless lump in the mammary gland that appears during breastfeeding does not always indicate lactostasis. There are a number of pathologies that are also characterized by breast engorgement, accompanied by their own symptoms and requiring different approaches to treatment. So, for example, if the mammary gland hurts, and there are no seals, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor, the feeling of discomfort does not appear just like that, you need to find out the reason.

A common cause of breast lumps is inflammation in response to the penetration of a bacterial agent through cracked nipples. The delicate skin of the areolas is damaged when the baby sucks on the breast and dries out after the feeding process. The problem occurs more often in the first weeks of feeding, and is solved when the nipples are coarse.

Mastitis is a dangerous disease that provokes the accumulation of pus in the areas of the gland, while the woman's temperature rises, her chest hurts and turns red, and mucopurulent discharge can come from the nipple. At the initial stage, you can do without surgery with antibiotics and physiotherapy. The neglected form of the disease requires an operation, during which the ducts are washed with antiseptics and purulent exudate is removed. The child is transferred to formula feeding.

Attention! In the event of such symptoms, it is necessary to visit a doctor so as not to provoke complications and not hold out until surgery. In addition, early access to qualified help will help maintain lactation and continue breastfeeding.

Mastitis is dangerous not only for chest pain, but also for suppuration, as well as high fever.

Mastopathy

This disease is manifested by the proliferation of breast tissue of a pathological nature, and the most common cause is hormonal disruptions in the body. During gestation, the normal level of hormones is disrupted, which is why the development of mastopathy during breastfeeding is quite likely. Seals in the gland reach several centimeters in size.

Concomitant symptoms of mastopathy are pulling pain sensations that radiate to the area of the shoulders and armpits. Seals have a single character, located in different parts of the chest, or stray into painful knots. As the feeding is established, the cones can dissolve on their own, therefore, with mastopathy, it is imperative to continue breastfeeding the baby.

Cyst

These formations, which cause discomfort in the area of the mammary glands, are formed due to hormonal imbalances in the body. During the nursing period, growing cysts are not dangerous if they remain in their original size. With their increase, the risk of developing lactostasis and mastitis increases, so the condition of the cyst must be constantly monitored.

To prevent the growth of cystic lumps and seals, herbal preparations are prescribed to help resorb and reduce inflammation. These are homeopathic and herbal remedies, the selection of which should be handled by the doctor. If the cyst has grown, after the end of breastfeeding, it is removed surgically, or powerful hormonal therapy is performed.

Tumors

The growth of neoplasms in the breast requires constant monitoring by doctors and determining the nature of the tumor. They are of two types:

Benign - this includes fibroadenoma and lipoma. These are small seals, not soldered to the skin layer, mobile and painless. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormonal changes in the body occur. Because of what benign neoplasms can grow and even degenerate into cancer, intensive tumor growth requires its removal.
Malignant - affect the subcutaneous layer of the gland, soldering to it and creating a restriction of mobility. The method of therapy is chosen based on the degree of pathology and the size of the formation. If the doctor prescribes chemotherapy or radiation therapy, breastfeeding will have to be stopped.

Important! It has been proven that the treatment of even malignant tumors is successful if detected early. Therefore, a nursing mother should urgently consult a doctor when immobile seals appear in the gland, even if they do not hurt and do not bring discomfort.

Can I continue to feed?

What to do if a lump is found in the mammary gland during breastfeeding, is it worth interrupting the latching of the baby to the breast? Lactostasis and stagnation of milk are not considered contraindications for the continuation of breastfeeding, on the contrary, the more often the mother applies the baby, the faster the problem can be solved.

Doctors advise to interrupt feeding when a purulent form of mastitis develops. If it is possible to preserve lactation (in non-neglected forms, when antibiotics can be dispensed with without surgery), then feeding is resumed after the course of treatment. During therapy, you need to express and pour out milk with an admixture of pus until the symptoms of the disease subside and the doctor will not allow you to reapply the crumbs to the glands.

A doctor's examination will help to identify the cause of the problem.

Comprehensive treatment

It is necessary to start treatment of seals in the mammary gland, formed during breastfeeding, as early as possible, and a complex effect is required for the early onset of the results of therapy. It is necessary to take measures to eliminate lumps within 12 hours after their detection, so as not to worsen the state of health and not to provoke the development of the infectious process.

In the absence of fever and severe pain, a nursing mother can independently try to get rid of the seals, straining the congestion and completely freeing the clogged gland from milk. There are a number of available ways to do this.

Proper preparation

Before starting the fight against lumps, the gland must be prepared. It is preferable to take a warm shower or compress so that the breasts become soft and the swelling of the tissue subsides a little. Then the place of the seal should be slightly kneaded. You cannot resort to such a technique if a woman has a fever and there is a suspicion of an advanced form of lactostasis. It is not known what the level of inflammation in the affected gland is, so you should not take risks (warm it up and knead it) in such a situation.

Frequent attachments

The most effective way is for the baby to dissolve the lump in the breast during lactation. If you increase the frequency of attachment to the gland at the very beginning of the development of lactostasis, it is possible that other treatment measures will not even be needed. Before breastfeeding, you should express a small amount of milk to help soften the breast and make it easier for your baby to suckle.

The main rule of effective resorption of a tiny seal is that it is opposite his chin. Thus, directing the baby's lower jaw to the place of stagnation, you can quickly get rid of it. True, sometimes the postures for feeding will not be very comfortable, but the mother must master all the positions so that the baby effectively empties the breast and resolves problem areas.

How to pump correctly?

How can a nursing mother remove seals in the mammary gland during lactation, if not with the help of competent expression? The technique is not difficult if performed correctly, with smooth movements without harsh pressing and active massaging. To break up the clumps, you need to perform the following algorithm:

before expressing, you need to thoroughly wash your hands and chest, prepare the glands with a warm shower or compress;
the chest is clasped in a special way - the thumb should be opposite the other four. So if it is located on the left side of the gland, then four fingers lie on the right side;
pressure is not made on the chest, but on the edges of the areola, it needs to be pressed a little;
the seal that is located under the thumb will break;
when milk flow stops, you should do a little massage and try to continue pumping;
only the lumps in the gland should not be broken, the entire breast must be emptied.

Advice! After the milk has been expressed, a cool compress can be applied to the breast so that lactation is not too active, and it is also better not to drink fluids during this period.

It is a reliable and proven method of dealing with breast lumps while breastfeeding. Previously, women were advised to apply vodka and alcohol compresses to their breasts, but doctors do not recommend doing this. When heated, if there is a risk of developing purulent mastitis, the reproduction of pathogenic microbes is activated, due to which simple lactostasis can lead to infection of the gland. There are several options for compresses:

cabbage leaf - before being applied to the gland, the leaf must be beaten off a little so that the juice is released, it should be kept all night until the leaf softens and gives up all the liquid;
grated carrots and beets - vegetable gruel is applied to the hardened gland and kept for 2-3 hours, laid out on cheesecloth and covered with a layer of cotton cloth;
baked onions with flaxseed oil and honey - such a gruel will help remove seals if you apply it to your chest for several hours;
rye flour flatbread with milk and melted butter.

During the day, you can use the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic Malavit for compresses. It will help prevent infection, disinfect and relieve pain.

Other methods

In addition to the listed ways to get rid of lumps, while breastfeeding, doctors may advise the following:

undergo a course of physiotherapy (in the absence of temperature and symptoms of purulent mastitis) - ultrasound, electrophoresis, microwave therapy;
use Arnika and Traumeel for resorption of lumps of ointment after consultation with a doctor;
make compresses from chilled cottage cheese or honey with wheat flour;
use a breast pump if the baby cannot handle a lot of milk and is unable to effectively empty the breast.

It is important to feed the crumbs at night so that the lumps do not harden over a long period of rest. You should first feed from a diseased breast, and only then give the baby a healthy one. It is not necessary to empty the gland completely, so that the unaffected breast also does not suffer from the blockage of the ducts.

What treatment is contraindicated for lactostasis?

To prevent lactostasis from turning into mastitis, certain actions should be avoided during treatment:

do not apply warming compresses based on vodka and alcohol - ethyl alcohol inhibits the production of the hormone oxytocin, which facilitates easy emptying of the mammary gland. The ducts will be narrowed, the baby will not be able to fully suck out milk, and lactostasis will worsen;
do not make hot compresses and do not take a hot bath if you suspect mastitis, when a woman has a high fever;
do not use aggressive massage techniques with strong pressure on the chest, so as not to injure the milk ducts and not provoke the appearance of new lumps.

Carefully! Breast massage will be effective only at the initial stage of lactostasis, when there are no signs of mastitis yet. With an increase in temperature and purulent discharge from the nipples, exposure to the gland can lead to rupture of the pus bag and dangerous complications.

Massage is permissible only at the initial stage of lactostasis

Prevention of lactostasis

So that breast lumps during breastfeeding do not bother a young mother, she must follow a number of simple rules:

you cannot breastfeed in the same position - every 2-3 applications you need to change the position for high-quality emptying of the gland;
rest and get enough sleep - after the next feeding, you should lie down for 15-20 minutes, and not immediately start doing household chores;
drink at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day and eat a balanced diet, especially in the hot season;
consult a doctor immediately upon detection of suspicious signs - seals, chest pain, fever and purulent discharge from the nipples.

By showing special attention to her health, a woman will be able to keep her breasts healthy and continue feeding until 1.5-2 years, as recommended by most pediatricians.