What to do if breast milk is blocked?

Many new mothers who have just given birth always encounter the problem of milk blockage. Some people have different physiques. After giving birth, their breasts are not completely unobstructed, so it will lead to breast milk blockage. Newborn mothers' breast blockage will cause insufficient milk or even no milk, which has a great impact on the baby. So what should I do if my breasts are blocked?

Causes of blocked breast ducts:

1. In the first few weeks of breastfeeding, milk duct blockage may occur. The cause is likely breast engorgement, a bra that is too tight, or dried milk blocking the nipple. If a milk duct is blocked, the breast may feel heavy and the skin may appear red. The way to keep the milk duct unobstructed is to breastfeed with the breast that is swollen. Massaging from the top of the painful area towards the nipple while breastfeeding can also relieve the pain. If the breast is still not unobstructed, you should not breastfeed with this breast and seek medical attention immediately.

2. If the bra does not fit properly, the nipples will be pressed by the bra, which can easily cause increased friction between the nipples and the bra, resulting in clogged milk ducts and causing less or no milk. So be sure to choose the right bra. At the same time, pay attention to keeping your bra and breasts clean, and try not to use scented soaps and lotions to clean your breasts.

In the last two months of pregnancy, frequently scrub the nipples with soapy water or clean water; or apply 70% alcohol (or white wine) cotton balls to the nipples and areola to enhance the resistance of the nipples.

3. If there are congenital malformations of the nipples, such as inverted nipples, efforts should be made to correct them during the second trimester of pregnancy. You can use a breast pump 1 to 2 times a day; or perform breast massage; or frequently pull with your hands.

What to do if milk is not flowing:

1. Use a hot towel to apply heat to the breasts to increase blood supply and relax the milk ducts. Then let your baby suck, or use a breast pump. Use a hot towel to warm the breast area, then use your thumb and index finger to rub and pull the nipple for about twenty times to open the nipple hole, then gently squeeze the nipple from the outside to discharge some of the milk. After the milk discharge is smoother, you can breastfeed. After feeding, use a hot towel to warm your breasts to drain the milk. Remember to repeat each time you feed.

2. Massage the area with the lump with your hands to soften the lump and help relieve the blockage.

3. Place your index finger and thumb at the end of the areola (lactiferous sinus), squeeze downward and inward to discharge the milk accumulated in the mammary duct.

4. You can use your hands to comb the breast area, which helps to continuously clear the areas where milk is accumulated in the breast.

5. Be careful not to consume greasy food in your diet to avoid milk blockage due to the high fat content in breast milk that may clog the mammary ducts.

To sum up, this is a detailed introduction to what to do if your breasts are blocked from producing milk. Insufficient milk is indeed troublesome. Not only can it not provide the nutrition in breast milk to the newborn, but it also seriously affects the breast diseases of the mother. Mothers should eat more high-protein foods right after giving birth to ensure their own nutrition so that they can produce milk smoothly. Drinking more soups will help produce milk without causing gastrointestinal burden.