What are some ways to relieve breast engorgement and lumps?

For women who are first-time mothers, improper feeding can easily cause lumps in the breasts, and even induce mastitis. For example, when breasts are swollen, there are often lumps inside. At this time, massage should be performed in time to gradually massage the lumps away, and the mammary ducts should be unblocked. You can use a breast pump to suck out the excess milk.

1. Gradually reduce the number of feedings:

The best way to reduce milk engorgement is to gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding times. By reducing the frequency gradually, the amount of milk will naturally decrease, thus achieving the effect of weaning. If you wean suddenly, milk engorgement will definitely be very serious.

2. With a breast pump:

When your breasts are very swollen, use a breast pump to extract some of the milk, which will relieve the pain. And you don’t have to worry about not being able to wean your baby after using a breast pump. Because a breast pump does not suck milk thoroughly, milk secretion will gradually decrease.

3. Hot compress:

After using a breast pump to express milk, apply a hot towel to your breasts to relieve the pain. In addition, hot compress can make the milk lumps blocking the breast 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.

4. Massage:

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

5. Hot Bath:

If the breasts are still swollen and painful, the mother can take a hot bath and massage the breasts, which will feel more comfortable.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Reduce the intake of soup:

Be careful not to drink soupy foods during weaning, as this will make your milk swell even more. If the bloating and pain are severe, it is recommended to drink malt and barley malt (commonly known as Erya Soup). However, you should go to a regular Chinese medicine store, because the Erya malt should be made with vinegar, otherwise the effect will not be very good.