When "breastfeeding period" meets "milk blockage", the 37-degree constant temperature maternal love fortunately meets her!

"Doctor Liu, please save me, I am in so much pain, my breasts are swollen like stones, what should I do..."

For babies, breast milk is the most natural and safe food, which can help them grow healthily. However, "milk blockage" is an unspeakable "pain" for most breastfeeding mothers.

What should you do if "milk blockage" occurs during breastfeeding? Let's follow Liu Haihua, a lactation consultant at the Third People's Hospital of Hunan Province, to unlock the mystery~

1. What is “milk blockage”?

Milk stasis is when a large amount of milk cannot be discharged in time due to various reasons and accumulates in the breast, causing milk stasis and blockage of the milk ducts, commonly known as "milk blockage".

It will cause breast swelling, pain, and the formation of nodules. If it is not handled in time or is handled improperly, it will cause two major safety hazards. First, the quality of breast milk will decline, the amount of milk secretion will decrease, and over time it may even lead to milk cessation; second, it will develop into acute mastitis and even require surgical treatment.

2. Causes of milk stasis

1. Blockage of mammary ducts: Nipple damage, mammary duct stenosis or mastitis may lead to obstruction of milk discharge.

2. Excessive milk: When the mother's milk secretion exceeds the baby's needs, it may also lead to milk stasis.

3. Incorrect feeding posture: If the baby cannot suck the nipple effectively, it may lead to poor milk discharge.

3. How to deal with milk stasis

1. The main reason for milk blockage is that the milk is blocked in the breast and cannot flow out. Therefore, unblocking the blocked part of the breast can effectively solve the problem of milk blockage. Mothers should correctly understand breast massage, seek help from professional medical staff, and let medical staff implement reasonable and effective breast unblocking techniques.

2. Hot compress or cold compress: There has always been controversy over whether to use hot compress or cold compress. Generally, hot compress can be chosen when there is no obvious lumps in the breast swelling. If lumps have appeared, you can choose to intermittently apply ice to the area of ​​milk accumulation, which can reduce edema and pain at the same time.

3. Let the baby suck more, encourage mother and baby to stay together, breastfeed frequently, and before breastfeeding, the mother can hand-express milk to stimulate the lactation reflex, and then let the child suck the nipple to breastfeed; during the breastfeeding process, the mother can also gently press the breasts herself.

Generally, you should start with the blocked breast. When the blocked breast becomes swollen and makes it difficult for the baby to latch on, you can breastfeed the healthy breast first, and then switch to the affected breast after the milk ejection reflex is established. Make sure the baby's chin is aligned with the blocked part, which is helpful to relieve milk stasis.

4. Bio-electric stimulation treatment: The hospital is equipped with a special lactation treatment device. Electrical stimulation of the smooth muscles of the mammary ducts can cause the mammary ducts to contract and relax rhythmically, thus clearing the mammary ducts.

5. Healthy lifestyle: Mothers should have a regular work and rest schedule, a calm mind, and create a healthy living environment for their babies. If mothers always stay up late or are very nervous for a long time, their own secretion will be disordered, making it more likely to have symptoms of milk blockage.

6. It is not recommended to use antibiotics when milk blockage occurs. If you experience bloating, pain, or fever, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the symptoms.

Fortunately, Ms. Wu finally chose professional and standardized treatment. Although the journey was long, the trips back and forth were worth it. After Liu Haihua used the latest lactation technique - breast lymphatic return technique, the milk blockage was greatly relieved after only three treatments.

Warm Tips: If milk stasis is accompanied by fever, redness, swelling, or any discomfort in the mother and baby, seek medical attention immediately. When dealing with milk stasis, avoid using any substances that may harm the nipple or mammary gland. The above measures can effectively prevent and treat milk stasis and ensure the smooth progress of breastfeeding.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Luo Jiao from Hunan Provincial Third People's Hospital

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(Edited by Wx)