What should I do if my breasts are somewhat blocked during postpartum lactation?

Remember: Postpartum It is advisable to eat light liquid food within three days and avoid eating high-protein and high-fat foods, otherwise the colostrum will be too sticky and block the milk ducts, causing breast problems. swelling and pain . Breasts should also be washed again after feeding. Breastfeeding women should usually wear a nursing cover of appropriate size to support the enlarged breasts. When the milk is stagnated and the circulation is not smooth, it should not be allowed to baby Sucking the nipple, how to prevent and treat sinus blockage and mastitis - Breastfeeding, some mothers have a smooth breastfeeding process. Clearly breastfeeding is something that can be accomplished satisfactorily, otherwise humans would not be alive today. Even if they encounter problems while breastfeeding, mothers can find enough information and support to overcome the difficulties with little need to sacrifice breastfeeding.

Blocked sinuses or mastitis are some of the problems that breastfeeding mothers may encounter. It often starts very mildly, with just a sore spot in the breast or a hard lump. It's probably no big deal and will go away on its own ； But maybe the pain will intensify and no longer be limited to a certain point, but spread to the entire breast. Breastfeeding becomes extremely painful, and the mother will also feel fever Get ill.

Many times, blocked sinuses or mastitis can be treated by the mother herself. Whether the mother manages it on her own or consults a doctor and takes medication, in the vast majority of cases, continuing to breastfeed is the best option for both mother and baby.

Sinus blockage or mastitis?

The difference between sinus congestion and mastitis is often the severity. Sinus congestion refers to the presence of painful spots or hard lumps in the breasts, but the mother does not have a fever. What happens is that a certain mammary sinus is not completely clear and becomes inflamed and swollen. The pressure behind the blocked part increases, causing inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue. This "clumping" phenomenon often occurs on only one breast at a time.

If pain and lumps are accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms (tiredness, aches, etc.), this is mastitis. Other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may also occur. A breastfeeding mother, when other family members are sick cold Mastitis sometimes occurs when you have the flu or the flu. Mastitis also tends to occur in only one breast at a time.
Whether breast pain is caused by blocked sinuses or mastitis, the treatment is the same: apply heat, feed more frequently on the inflamed breast, and rest.

Applying heat will increase blood circulation to the painful area, thus speeding up healing. Some mothers use a heating pad or a baby hot water bottle. Gentle massage can also help. Start behind the painful point and apply blister Open and remove dried milk from nipples. One easy way is to lie on your side in warm bath water in a bathtub, or stand in a warm shower, soak and gently massage your breasts. Hold the breasts up and down with both palms, and gently but firmly perform a circular motion, starting from behind the hard lump and gradually transitioning to the nipple. Feeding or pumping your baby immediately after heat treatment and massage can help relieve the blockage.

Breastfeeding - Frequent feedings can help prevent overfullness of the breasts and keep milk flowing. As long as your breast feels soft and warm, you can allow your baby to feed at least every two hours, including at night, feeding the inflamed side first.

Rest is the third element of treatment. Blocked sinuses or mastitis are usually a sign that the mother is overworked and exhausted. If possible, avoid all activities and go to bed with your baby until you feel better. If reality doesn't allow it, then at least cancel extra activities and give yourself an extra hour or two of rest every day.

There are other things you can do to help speed up recovery:

First, loosen tight clothing, especially bras.

Secondly, check the baby's breastfeeding posture and latch method to make sure that when the baby is latch on the nipple, he is facing the breast and does not have to turn his head to suck.； And he opened his mouth wide (as if yawning) and took a large part of the breast into his mouth. While he's latching on to the nipple, hold him close so that his chin touches the breast as he feeds. Correct breastfeeding posture and latch method ensure that the baby empties all the milk sinuses more effectively every time he breastfeeds.

Third, try changing to different breastfeeding positions. If you usually nurse while sitting, try a lie-down feeding or football hold once or twice.

Some mothers find this feeding position helpful in clearing clogged lactation sinuses: place the baby in the center of the bed or in the center of a mattress on the floor, with the mother lying on her stomach and letting her breasts hang down into the baby's mouth to feed.

When to see a doctor

Using the above methods, most mothers will feel better within 24 hours. But if the fever persists and symptoms worsen, you should consult a doctor, who may give you antibiotics.

Certain types of mastitis require immediate medical attention, such as inflammation of both breasts, a nipple that looks infected, pus or blood in the milk, red lines around the sore area, or a severe sudden onset of symptoms. These all indicate bacterial infection and require immediate examination by a doctor.