Problems with Breastfeeding – Blocked Milk Ducts

Having problems with breastfeeding? So, the problem with cracked and sore nipples has been solved, you are getting more experience and confidence with breastfeeding and it seems that things are gradually getting back to it’s proper place. And then you notice a small, hard and maybe red and painful lump in one breast.

The breast can also been warm to touch. What should this mean? Well, most probably one of the milk ducts has blocked. Read these tips on solving these common breast feeding problems.

What Causes Milk Ducts to Block?

First, milk ducts usually block because the breast has not been emptied. This means that a small amount of milk stays in one breast and when the time for next feeding comes, a flow of fresh milk can not go through and it gets stuck in the ducts.

There are few reasons why the breast has not been emptied.

By now you have probably noticed that babies “prefer” one breast to another, so that the other one is neglected. It can also happen because you have skipped feeding, maybe because you were not at home, or more likely, because your baby has “overslept”.

How can You Unclog Blocked Milk Ducts?

breartfeeding mother in field

  • Start every feeding at the affected breast. If the baby refuses, use a small trick: let her nurse the other breast for 30 or 40 seconds and then continue feeding at the problematic one. Be persistent.
  • Before every feeding gently massage you breast. Start slowly, from shoulder down to areola and gently press the lumps and bumps. If it isn’t too painful, you can press the lumps while baby is sucking.
  • After every feeding, try to hand express milk. Wash your hands. Put your thumb and index finger around areola, every finger at approximately one inch from the areola edge. Gently squeeze your fingers and thumb together and milk will start to flow. Stop after 3 to 5 minutes (you do not want to over do it). Do not pull and squeeze your nipples. If possible, ask your nurse or a lactation consultant to show you how it is done.
  • Between feedings, put a cold compress on the affected breast but don’t cover areola and nipple.
  • This might seem strange but it helps: cabbage leaves. Take a few leaves and beat them with meat hammer until softened. Keep them in a fridge and, when cold, take one and put it on your breast leaving the areola and the nipple free. When the leaf worms up, take another one. Don’t use it more than 8 times a day.
  • Avoid wearing a bra until problem is solved.

Blocked milk ducts are undoubtedly very unpleasant problem but you can try and resolve it by following our recommendations. However, if lumps and bumps don’t go away within 24 hours or if the pain in the breast is followed by high fewer and fly-like symptoms, stop “googling ” for help and visit the doctor immediately. There is a chance that you’ve got mastitis and this requires professional help.

About the author

Barbara

I am a devoted hedonist who enjoys nice things – food, wine, fine arts, spending time with friends and family. Teaching mandarin Chinese is my life vocation, but my dream is to open a small restaurant and a patisserie. My life's motto: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

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