What to do if milk swelling and pain occur after induced labor

Due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and sudden termination of pregnancy, hormone levels in the body drop suddenly, causing the newly developed breasts to suddenly stop growing and cause the breasts to secrete milk. So, what should you do if you feel pain from milk swelling after induced abortion? What are some good ways to solve and alleviate the problem? I will give a detailed introduction below and I hope friends in need can read it. It will be helpful to everyone

What is breast enlargement

Many breastfeeding mothers have had this experience: when milk begins to be secreted or after milk stops flowing, the breasts begin to become hot, heavy, painful, and sometimes even as hard as stone. The surface of the breast appears smooth and full, and even the areola becomes firm and painful. In this case, even if the mother endures the pain and breastfeeds, it is difficult for the baby to suckle the mother's nipple. This is milk engorgement.

Causes of breast engorgement

Breast engorgement is mainly caused by increased blood and water in the breast milk and connective tissue. Pregnant women begin to produce colostrum from the late stages of pregnancy. When the placenta is delivered, prolactin increases, stimulating the production of milk, and the mammary ducts and surrounding tissues swell, reaching their peak on the 3rd or 4th day after delivery. If the mother fails to breastfeed the baby soon after birth, or the interval between feedings is too long, or the milk is secreted too much and the baby cannot finish it, the milk cannot be completely removed, and milk accumulates in the mammary ducts, making the breasts swollen and painful. At this time, the breasts become hard and the nipples are difficult to latch on. The mother will reduce the number of breastfeeding times for fear of pain, which will cause milk flow to stop and aggravate breast engorgement.

Symptoms of breast engorgement

1. Usually, when the breasts are engorged, they will become swollen, hard and painful. If it is serious, it will hurt even with the slightest touch. 2. The nipples may become inverted. If your breasts are swollen, your nipples will become hard and sunken, making it difficult for your baby to suck breast milk. 3. There may be a low-grade fever. 4. Lymph nodes may appear in the armpits.

What to do if your breasts swell

1. Hot compress

Hot compress can make the milk lumps blocking the mammary glands unblocked and improve breast circulation. When applying hot compress, be careful to avoid the areola and nipple areas because the skin in these two areas is more tender. The temperature of the hot compress should not be too hot to avoid scalding the skin.

2. Massage

After applying hot compress to the breasts, you can massage them. There are many ways to massage the breasts. Generally, you hold one breast with both hands and massage alternately from the bottom of the breast to the nipple, and then squeeze the milk into a container.

3. Use a breast pump

When your breasts are swollen and painful, you can use a manual or electric breast pump to assist in expressing milk, which is very effective.

4. Hot Bath

When your breasts are swollen and painful, you might as well take a hot shower and massage your breasts, which will feel more comfortable.

5. Soak breasts in warm water

You can place a basin of warm water on your knees, then bend your upper body to your knees, let your breasts soak in the basin, and gently shake your breasts. Gravity will allow the milk to flow out more easily.

6. Cold compress

If the pain from breast engorgement is very severe, you can use cold compresses to relieve the pain. Always remember to express the milk before applying cold compress.