Breast pain and swelling during breastfeeding can be a sign of blocked milk ducts. This condition is actually quite common. So, if Busui experiences this, don't worry too much, because there are various ways to overcome it.
Blockage of the milk ducts can basically occur if the milk is being produced faster than it is emptying. This causes the milk to build up in the ducts, causing the tissue around the ducts to swell, become inflamed, and eventually block the flow of milk.
Causes and Symptoms of Blocked Breast Milk
Blocked milk ducts generally occur because the mother does not often breastfeed or express breast milk. This can also happen if the baby has certain conditions and the ability to compose is weak.
In addition, there are also several other factors that can cause clogged milk ducts, including:
- The attachment of breastfeeding the baby is not right, so that only a little milk comes out.
- The breast pump used is not strong enough, so the emptying of the breast milk is not optimal.
- Busui is sick so she can't breastfeed or pump breast milk optimally.
- The milk ducts are compressed from a nursing bra that is too tight or from sleeping on your stomach.
- Busui is under stress so that there is a decrease in the production of the hormone oxytocin which helps release milk from the breast.
- Busui recently underwent a medical procedure or surgery involving breast tissue, such as a breast biopsy.
Blocked milk ducts usually occur in one breast. There are several signs and symptoms that Busui can feel when experiencing this, namely:
- Breasts look red
- A hard lump that hurts to the touch
- Breasts feel swollen and hot, but feel better after breastfeeding
How to Overcome Blocked Breast Milk Ducts
The symptoms above are certainly uncomfortable for Busui. However, there is no need to worry. There are several ways that Busui can do to treat clogged milk ducts, including:
1. Breastfeed and pump breast milk more often
The most important way to clear a blocked milk duct is to try to continue breastfeeding your baby as often as possible, especially on the affected breast.
Even though it may feel heavy or painful, it should still be attempted, because baby's mouth sucking is very effective in activating the hormone oxytocin and helping to re-open blocked ducts. If your breasts still feel full after feeding your baby, Busui can pump milk.
2. Compress and massage the breast
Try to regularly compress the breast with warm water while massaging the breast before breastfeeding. Compressing the breast with warm water can increase the flow of milk, while massaging it can help widen the blocked milk duct.
3. Pay attention to the baby's attachment when feeding
Make sure that the baby is latching on to the affected breast properly. With the right latch, the flow of milk will be more rapid and the blockage will be more easily widened. If necessary, ask a lactation counselor to help correct the breastfeeding position.
4. Do a variety of breastfeeding positions
Changing the position of the baby while feeding can maximize breast emptying, including blocked milk ducts. Many mothers are greatly helped by positioning the baby's chin right on the sore breast. This position can direct the baby's sucking directly into the blocked milk duct.
5. Sufficient fluid needs
Consuming more water can help increase the flow of milk, so that the flow of newly produced milk can more easily free blocked milk ducts. If adults usually need 9 glasses per day, Busui at least needs to drink more than 10 glasses of water every day.
6. Meet the need for bedtime
No matter how busy, Busui needs to get enough rest. If Busui is tired, the milk production will be less. This will not help relieve blocked milk ducts.
Therefore, don't hesitate to ask for help from your father or other family members to take turns taking care of your little one or doing homework so Busui can rest.
7. Avoid stress
Stress experienced by breastfeeding mothers can reduce levels of the hormone oxytocin which plays an important role in breast milk production. To prevent this, take time to do various relaxing things, such as meditation, reading, or exercise to deal with stress.
In addition to those mentioned above, there are also several ways to smoothen and prevent the milk ducts from becoming blocked again, including wearing a nursing bra with the right size and eating healthy foods to improve the quality of breast milk and the immune system. Busui can also try taking lecithin supplements to promote breast milk.
Clogged milk ducts are usually not something serious and can be resolved on their own. However, if this happens for more than 2 days, the pain in the breast is unbearable, or Busui has a fever, it is likely that a breast infection has occurred.
Breast infection (mastitis) can be treated with medication, but Busui must check with a doctor first to get it. Busui is not recommended to take self-purchased medication because it is feared that it can affect the health of a nursing baby.