Milk Obstruction - What Can You Do?

introduction

If the milk is blocked, there is insufficient drainage of secretion due to blocked milk ducts in one or both breasts. The milk production is not restricted here. Milk congestion occurs mainly two to four days after delivery. However, this can also occur during the entire period of breastfeeding or occur repeatedly. The blocked milk can lead to chest discomfort. If the milk blockage persists, it can lead to inflammation of the breast (mastitis). This breast infection is a common complication, especially in first-time women, and usually occurs one week after delivery.

General information on the topic can be found here: Milk congestion

causes

One of the main reasons why milk congestion develops is when the breast is insufficiently emptied. This is the case, for example, if the breastfeeding periods are too short or are carried out too rarely. This blocks the milk ducts as more milk is produced and fills the ducts. The milk can then no longer drain off properly. Incorrect breastfeeding technique can also hinder emptying and cause milk congestion. In addition, an overproduction of milk or other drainage disorders can be reasons for a blockage of milk in the milk ducts.
If the bra, sling or backpack are too tight, they can narrow the milk ducts and cause the milk to congest under pressure. Furthermore, the mother's stress has a negative effect on milk production. Stress suppresses the so-called milk ejection reflex, which ensures that the milk in the milk ducts flows out of the nipple during breastfeeding. This also causes the milk to build up in the breast.

How can you recognize milk congestion?

A milk blockage can be recognized primarily by the fact that there is insufficient or no milk leakage when breastfeeding. There are also chest problems. The chest is hardened, red and painful. If the congestion is only in a certain part of the breast, the hardening can only be felt there as a knot. The chest is also warmed there. However, the mother's general well-being is not affected.

Concomitant symptoms

In addition to redness, induration and pain, other symptoms can occur. On the chest there is - usually only one-sided and selective - pressure pain and a feeling of tension. The chest can also be enlarged by the congestion.
In general, there can be pain in the limbs. Sometimes the mother feels nauseous. If the blockage persists for a long time or if it spreads, the entire breast can harden and be very painful. Often times, the nipples are also tender, red and swollen. The nipples are then particularly sensitive to pain. It is also possible that not just one but both breasts are affected. If an inflammation develops in the breast (mastitis) due to the blocked milk, it can lead to flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. This breast infection during the puerperium or while breastfeeding is also known as puerperal mastitis.

fever

In general, the milk congestion rarely occurs in connection with an increase in temperature.
However, if the blocked milk is not treated, it can develop into inflammation, which can be accompanied by a high fever. Temperatures then exceed 38 degrees Celsius. If the congestion or inflammation of the breast is accompanied by a rise in temperature, a doctor should be consulted, as there is a possibility that it is a bacterial inflammation that may need to be treated with antibiotics.

What is the best way to resolve the milk blockage?

If a milk congestion occurs, breastfeeding advice should be sought, as a common reason for congestion is improper breastfeeding technique.
Regular emptying of the breast is essential for the treatment of milk congestion. The actual breastfeeding can be used for this. It is then best to first use the congested breast for breastfeeding and to breastfeed regularly - approximately every 2 to 2 ½ hours. Breastfeeding can sometimes be made easier with the help of gravity. The mother stands over the baby in a quadruped position and breastfeeds it in this position. The breast can also be emptied by mechanical pumping. In addition, the mother should drink plenty of fluids. Special stroking methods of the blocked areas and massages of the chest can solve the congestion. Before breastfeeding, the breast should be treated with moist heat. This ensures that the secretion drains off better. The heat can be applied using a red light lamp, for example.
If necessary, Syntocinon spray (Oxytocin nasal spray) can also be sprayed into the nose if the milk has problems emptying. This drug contains oxytocin, which is responsible, among other things, for the smooth muscle cells of the mammary glands to contract and the milk to be better secreted as a result. After breastfeeding, the breast should be cooled with quark compresses, for example. If the pain is severe, pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken.In most cases, you do not need to stop breastfeeding if you have a blocked milk.

massage

Massage can help treat congestion. This can also be done daily to prevent milk congestion. It is important - no matter which technique is chosen - that the milk flow is stimulated with the massage. In addition, the blood circulation is increased. Applying massage allows the chest to relax and become more permeable. Various techniques can be used. Massages like “Plata Rueda” or “Marmet” are often recommended. During the breast massage, care should be taken to ensure that there is no pain.

Strike out

Prior to stroking the breast, prior application of heat and massage can help loosen the breast tissue. Then the chest is covered with the thumb, index and middle finger (C-shape). The distance from the nipple (nipple) to the fingers or thumb should be about 3-4 cm. The chest is now raised a little and pressed towards the chest with the fingers. From this position the next movement begins, with the thumb moving down and the index finger moving up in the direction of the nipples and compressing them. Care should be taken that the fingers do not slide over the skin, but are always on the same skin area.

Pumping out

Expressing is often used when too much milk is being produced. Care should be taken here that both breasts are not pumped out, as this really stimulates milk production. The milk should be pumped out until there is enough milk left to breastfeed the baby. After pumping, the breast should feel softer and more relaxed and any hardening should be gone.

Retterspitz® against milk congestion

Retterspitz® is a mixture of different oils and tinctures and contains thyme, arnica, rosemary, orange blossom and bergamot. Retterspitz is used as a wrap for milk congestion. These wraps have anti-inflammatory, tissue-swelling, pain-relieving, blood circulation-promoting and antispasmodic effects thanks to the various ingredients. The wraps can be used several times a day and remain for 1-2 hours per application. When the wrap is removed, the chest should be rinsed with warm water.

Read more on the subject at: Retterspitz

Quark against the milk congestion

Quark compresses can be used to cool the chest and help relieve pain. The quark also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It should be noted that breast cooling should not be used before breastfeeding, as this prevents the milk from draining off well. It is best to apply cooling after breastfeeding when the breast has been emptied. The quark can also be applied directly to the breast - but then it has to be washed off every time. It is therefore advisable to wrap the quark in towels (for example kitchen towels) and then place them on the chest. The quark wraps can be put on after each breastfeeding.

Other home remedies for congestion

It is important to be quiet while breastfeeding. Stress promotes milk congestion. In addition to quark compresses, normal thermal pads, which are also placed on a swollen ankle, can be used for swelling and pain relief to cool the chest. Cabbage wrap (see also: Cabbage) - made from chilled white cabbage - can also be used to cool the breast. Grated horseradish - also in a wrap - warms the breast before breastfeeding. You can also use several cups of sage and mint tea (please refer: Sage and peppermint) during the day help to reduce milk production and thus contribute to the relief of the breast.

Homeopathy against congestion

Various homeopathic remedies can be used to relieve blocked milk. If the blocked milk is caused by an overproduction of milk, Phytolacca (pokeweed) or Pulsatilla (pasque flower) are recommended. These two remedies can reduce milk production and therefore pain. If the chest has already become inflamed with a fever, the remedy belladonna (black deadly nightshade) can provide relief.
Before using these homeopathic remedies, you should consult your midwife or doctor so that they can be taken correctly and contribute positively to the treatment.

How long does a blocked milk last if you wean?

In general, if treated, milk congestion should improve in about 3 days. It is important to know, however, that you should not stop breastfeeding if the breast is blocked. This can only aggravate the congestion and aggravate its consequences.
Only under certain circumstances should you breastfeed. This is the case, among other things, if the blocked milk causes a bacterial breast infection. Then, for example, premature babies should not be breastfed and they should be weaned.
However, breast congestion is often triggered by weaning. It is also important here that the milk drains from the breast. Methods such as stroking and massage can help to relieve or relieve the congestion within a few days. If there is no improvement within a few days, the doctor or midwife should be asked for advice on what else can be done. In pronounced cases where the therapy does not work, drugs can be given that limit the functions of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production.