How Mom Knows she has a Clogged Milk Duct?
A clogged milk duct occurs when the breast is not completely drained of milk. When this happens, the tissue around the milk duct becomes swollen and inflamed and presses on the milk duct causing a blockage to occur. The initial sign of clogged milk duct is a hard, small lump that is sore when touched. Some women also experience redness on their breast. The area may also feel hot, but will feel better after nursing.
A symptom of clogged milk duct that has become infected is if mom feels feverish and run down. If the clogged milk duct is not immediately treated, it could turn into mastitis. To ease the symptoms of mastitis, mom can take ibuprofen. However, before taking any kind of medication, even over the counter medications, check with your Doctor. Moist heat can also be applied a few times a day as well as nurse the baby frequently to keep the breast empty of milk.
Clogged milk duct can come about if the baby is not feeding enough nor has trouble feeding because of an improper latch. It can also come about if mom is using a breast pump that is not strong enough, the baby has been weaned very abruptly, a milk duct becomes damaged or compressed due to an ill fitting nursing bra, mom sleeping on her stomach, an illness such as cold that may cause mom not to want to nurse baby or mom is under stress. Stress lowers the production of the hormone oxytocin that causes breasts to release milk.
One of the best ways to remedy clogged milk duct is to nurse baby as often as possible. Even though it may sore to do so, emptying the breast completely will eliminate the clogged milk duct. Always nurse with the breast that has a clogged milk duct first. The baby’s sucking action is strongest at the beginning of the feeding session and that will help dislodge the clog. Massaging the sore area frequently will also help open the ducts and relieve pain and swelling.
Mom can try varying the nursing position to help alleviate a clogged milk duct. Having the baby in different positions can help drain the milk ducts completely. Some women find lying down while nursing helps empty the clogged milk ducts more effectively better than any other position.
It is also important a nursing mother get plenty of rest. It may seem like impossibility, especially if there are other children. Mom should always take advantage of other people offer to help out with the baby and other children, even if it is just for a day or two. Mom should also be sure to eat well and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
A clogged milk duct will not hurt the baby, although expression of milk will be slower and may make the baby cranky when nursing on the clogged breast. Even if mom develops an infection, bay will not suffer any adverse effects from nursing on a breast with a clogged milk duct.
