How to relieve blocked breast milk
Mar 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Milk stasis primarily occurs due to blocked or obstructed milk ducts or failure to promptly express breast milk, leading to accumulation of milk within the ducts. This typically causes symptoms such as breast fullness and pain. If milk stasis persists without relief, it may progress to infection, high fever, and chills.
Breast milk blockage can be relieved through local warm compresses, breast massage, using a breast pump, frequent breastfeeding, and correcting the infant’s latching technique.
How to Relieve Breast Milk Blockage
Breast milk blockage primarily results from obstructed mammary ducts or delayed milk ejection, leading to milk accumulation within the ducts. This typically causes swelling and pain. If left unresolved for an extended period, it may progress to infection, fever, and chills.
Local warm compress: Apply a warm towel to the affected area of the breast to enhance blood circulation and facilitate mammary duct patency.
Breast massage: Gently massage the breast along the direction of the mammary ducts toward the nipple—using light pressure until the breast feels warm—to promote duct patency and aid milk ejection.
Breast pumping: Using a breast pump to express milk helps clear blocked ducts and encourages milk ejection.
Correcting the infant’s breastfeeding technique: Some newborns may latch incorrectly, hindering effective milk removal. Adjust feeding posture so that the infant takes the entire areola into the mouth and suckles with sufficient strength, thereby promoting more efficient milk ejection.
Additionally, proper daily care is essential: maintain nipple hygiene by cleaning the nipples with warm water or a clean, warm towel before each feeding; after nursing, gently express any remaining milk from the breasts; avoid sleeping in the prone position, which may compress the breasts and contribute to milk stasis.
We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
