The difference between milk knot and milk blockage

There are many reasons why milk may not come out, the most common ones are milk lumps and milk blockage. Both of these can result in milk being present but not being able to be expressed, but the two are different in themselves. Simply put, milk blockage is caused by the accumulation of milk in the chest. Milk blockage is caused by the obstruction of the mammary glands, which leads to the inability to produce milk. In serious cases, it is caused by breast inflammation. In addition, what are the differences between milk knots and milk blockages?

When a breastfeeding mother experiences symptoms of breast discomfort or physical discomfort, she must first determine whether she has milk congestion, milk blockage due to poor mammary gland function, or suppurative mastitis. In fact, this is a gradual process and an inevitable series of results if left alone.

Because suppurative mastitis has already formed an abscess, it will eventually require a minor surgery to drain the abscess, which I will not go into details here. In fact, as long as it is properly controlled and medical treatment is sought promptly if breast discomfort is discovered, it can be resolved by using anti-infection methods to promote milk discharge before an abscess forms.

However, congestive milk knots and milk obstruction are two completely different concepts and need to be treated differently.

1. Different in nature

Congestive milk lumps: The mammary glands are unobstructed, but when the milk is full, it is not discharged from the breasts in time, causing milk congestion and blocking the lactiferous sinuses, forming lumps that are painful when pressed.

Milk blockage: The mammary glands are blocked and the milk is blocked in the deep layers, forming a deep lump. It manifests as a sudden large lump in the breast. The pain and swelling are not severe at first, and some mothers do not have a fever.

2. Different treatment methods

A. Hot compress

Congestive milk knot: Hot compress will enhance blood circulation in the painful area and speed up healing.

Breast milk blockage: Although hot compress can promote blood circulation, it will aggravate edema. Heat is not recommended.

B. Breast pump

Congestive milk lumps: Feeding the baby immediately after heat treatment and massage (it is best to let the baby suck more, the baby is the best breast pump) or using a breast pump to express milk will help relieve the blockage.

Blocked milk ducts: It is not suitable to use a breast pump when the milk ducts are blocked. Strong suction can easily damage the milk ducts; breastfeeding too frequently will make the baby lose interest and leave after a few bites. This stimulates the milk flow but it is not sucked away in time, which can easily increase the area of ​​congestion.

C. Massage

Breast congestion: Gentle massage can also help treat it.

The method is as follows: start from the back of the painful point, support the affected breast with the left hand, and then use the four fingers of the right hand (from the index finger to the little finger) to push, knead and press to clear the lumps and lumps in the affected breast. Then use the five fingertips of your right hand to gently rub and grab along the radial direction of the milk ducts from the base of the nipple to the areola to clear the milk stasis. Finally, pinch the areola and nipple of the affected side with the index finger and middle finger of your right hand, and gently lift them outwards continuously, and the congested milk will spray out.

To be honest, it is really not easy to clear your breast ducts by yourself. If the technique is not appropriate, the accumulated milk will not come out or it will be extremely painful. It is better to find a professional milk drainage technician to help you clear it.

Milk blockage: When milk accumulates, the local pressure is high, and the edema squeezes the milk ducts, making it more difficult for milk to be discharged.

If you press and rub the lump vigorously, it is equivalent to applying external force to the already edematous tissue. Not only will not much milk be secreted, but more importantly, it will cause breast tissue, lymphatic tissue, skin, etc. to be damaged by external forces.

At this time, you need to seek help from professionals directly instead of torturing yourself.

3. If you really can’t tell the difference, it doesn’t matter. If you feel uncomfortable, immediately see a doctor or a professional lactation therapist!

The sooner the better. Take medicine when necessary, milk when necessary, and receive treatment when necessary.