Breast milk blockage

New mothers are very likely to have milk blockage in the beginning. Most of the time, it is due to irregular breastfeeding time or incorrect breastfeeding posture, or problems with diet and daily routine that can affect the mammary glands and cause milk blockage. So, what should we do if there is milk blockage at the root of the mammary gland? Let’s take a look at it below.

1. Apply heat or take a shower before milking

Before expressing milk, you can apply a hot and wet cotton towel to your breasts for 2 to 3 minutes. The temperature should not feel hot to the skin.

Remember to drain the milk after applying it, so that the baby can draw it out or squeeze it out.

2. Let the baby suck, it is the most effective way to clear milk

When it comes to drinking milk and straining, no one is better than babies!

Moreover, it is important that the baby's latching posture is correct (covering the entire nipple) to ensure effective sucking.

3. Express breast milk, either by hand or using a manual breast pump

Manual milking method:

Place your thumb on the nipple and the other fingers under the nipple, and gently and firmly press the thumb and other fingers toward the sternum to squeeze the breast tissue. Be careful not to move your fingers toward the nipple.

Then change the position of your fingers in a circle so that all parts of the breast can be exhausted.

4. Apply ice after milk discharge

You can use a clean cotton towel, cabbage leaves, or potato cubes.

For cabbage leaves, you can remove the main petiole in the middle, use a rolling pin to knead it or soften it, and apply it on the breast for about 20 minutes, but do not apply it on the nipple to avoid leaving odor and affecting the baby's milk drinking.

The actual effect of the frozen leaves is stronger.

5. Massage

You can massage your breasts slowly from under the armpits to just below the nipples, but don't use all your strength. It is best to ask a professional lactation specialist for advice.