What are the symptoms of milk blockage and what to do

The symptoms of milk duct blockage mainly include milk swelling and breast edema, which can cause the mother to have a fever and lead to mastitis. The baby will cry while breastfeeding because the milk duct cannot be sucked out. If there is milk duct blockage, it must be resolved in a timely manner.

1. Breast swelling. When the milk is not blocked, the milk can be easily sucked out, and there is no obstacle in the milk duct. If there is an obstacle (milk block) in the milk duct, it will cause the pressure in the breast to increase, and it will take a lot of effort to suck.

2. Edema: When the pressure in the milk duct increases, the milk duct will become thicker and larger, resulting in breast edema.

3. Fever. When the milk blockage is large and deep, it is easy for the mother to have a fever. At this time, it is very likely that mastitis has been caused by the milk blockage.

4. The baby is crying. When the baby is feeding, if you feel that the baby's swallowing sound becomes smaller and the swallowing speed slows down, then you can also judge that the breasts are blocked. Of course, if the baby still cries after feeding, it means that he is not full at all, and the mother still feels that the milk is swollen, then it is further proved that the milk is blocked.

What to do if milk blockage occurs

1. Let your baby breastfeed or use a breast pump

Discharge the milk in time. When the baby is feeding, let his lower lip face the lump, because the lower lip has stronger suction. While the baby is feeding or using a breast pump to express milk, you can use your hands or a comb to massage the nipple to speed up the discharge of milk. Some people may have tried to let their husbands help suck, but I would say that this method is not very effective, because sucking is an instinct of babies, and husbands don’t know how to suck, and usually they suck for a long time without getting anything out. When it comes to sucking milk, babies are still experts.

2. Use potato chips as a cold compress

If the milk blockage is mild, the lumps are small, and there is no fever, you can try cold compressing with cabbage and potato slices. You can also use cold towels and cold compress bags. Traditional concepts may believe that milk blockage requires hot compresses, but in fact, cold compresses are more effective. Long-term hot compresses may aggravate breast swelling and pain, leading to worse milk blockage. The time for cold compresses is about 20 minutes each time, and you can apply cold compresses every 2-3 hours. Generally, if the symptoms are mild, cold compresses several times with the baby's sucking can gradually relieve the symptoms of milk blockage.

3. Oral administration of dandelion granules

Use Chinese medicine breast-clearing patches. If the milk blockage is serious and there is no sign of improvement after self-treatment, you need to take oral anti-inflammatory Chinese medicine such as Pueraria lobata, and apply Chinese medicine breast-clearing patches at the same time. The main ingredients of this type of Chinese medicine patch are generally dandelion, peach kernel, Chuanxiong, myrrh, etc. Mothers can use it with confidence, and it will not affect breast milk.

Pay attention to these when milk is blocked

1. During the period of milk blockage, drink less milk-producing soup, eat a light diet, and drink more boiled water to dilute the new milk.

2. If the baby does not drink milk for a long time, or the mother has too much breast milk and the baby cannot finish it, the milk should be squeezed out in time and the habit of regular milking should be developed.

3. Once you feel any discomfort, apply hot compresses to your breasts and take some emergency measures. If you cannot handle it well, seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub it yourself to avoid secondary injury.

How to prevent milk stasis

1. Breastfeed at any time according to the baby's needs, and empty the milk after each feeding.

2. The correct breastfeeding method should be adopted. Commonly used methods include sitting, side-lying, and embracing positions.

3. Do not let the baby excessively pull on the nipples during breastfeeding. After each breastfeeding, gently lift the breasts with your hands and massage for 10 minutes.

4. Choose underwear that is appropriately tight and has a good lifting effect.

5. Pay attention to your baby's oral hygiene. If the nipple is damaged, stop breastfeeding and seek treatment in time.