Why does milk stagnation occur?
Milk is produced continuously and is excreted during feeding. If any part of the gland is not emptied sufficiently, the pressure in the lobules increases, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue and edema develops with an inflammatory reaction. For a long time it was believed that a “plug” in the duct was to blame, but now the main mechanism is considered to be swelling and narrowing of the ducts. Therefore, it is not kneading that helps, but reducing swelling and regular, effective feeding.
- Incorrect breast latch by baby
- Long breaks between feedings, abrupt weaning
- Excessive milk production and frequent pumping “to the last drop”
- Pressure from a tight bra, sling, sleeping on your stomach
- Cracked nipples, which cause mothers to avoid feeding
- Overwork, lack of sleep
Symptoms
Usually a woman notices a painful lump in one area of the breast, usually in the upper outer part. The skin over it may turn slightly red. After feeding, the lump becomes softer and hurts less. The temperature can be normal or low-grade. If your overall health worsens, chills and fever appear, and the redness spreads, mastitis is likely to develop.
- Painful lump or lump in the chest
- Feeling of fullness and heaviness
- Slight redness of the skin over the lesion
- Relief after feeding
- White dot on the nipple (vesicle) in some women
How is lactostasis different from mastitis?
Lactostasis and mastitis are stages of the same process. With stagnation, inflammation is limited and well-being suffers little. Mastitis is an inflammation of the gland tissue, which can be non-infectious and infectious: a temperature above 38.5 ° C, chills, severe pain, and extensive redness appear. If after 24 hours of proper care there is no improvement, the doctor decides on antibiotics compatible with breastfeeding. An abscess is an accumulation of pus; it is detected by ultrasound and treated by puncture or opening.
- Lactostasis - compaction, well-being is almost unimpaired
- Mastitis - fever, chills, widespread redness
- Abscess - a softening point that does not go away with high fever
- The diagnosis is confirmed by examination and ultrasound of the breast
When do you need a doctor and what kind of examination?
You should consult a doctor if the lump lasts longer than 2-3 days, the temperature does not decrease for more than a day, or your health worsens. The mammologist examines the gland, evaluates attachment, and, if necessary, prescribes an ultrasound of the mammary glands to exclude an abscess and galactocele. A complete blood count helps assess the severity of inflammation. If there is repeated stagnation in the same area after the end of feeding, it is important to exclude other formations.
- Examination by a mammologist
- Ultrasound of the breast
- General blood test
- Milk culture for recurrent mastitis
- Puncture or opening for an abscess
What to do and how to warn
You need to feed on demand, starting with the sore breast, if the baby takes it well. It is important to check the grip: the baby should grasp the areola, and not just the nipple. Cold compresses for 10-15 minutes between feedings help. You can take a feeding-compatible anti-inflammatory drug as recommended by your doctor. A light stroking massage from the nipple to the armpit reduces swelling, but strong kneading and pumping to the point of pain damage the tissue and increase inflammation. There is no need to express milk “in reserve” - this increases its production.
- Feed frequently, without long overnight breaks
- Ensure proper chest grip
- Cold between feedings
- Gentle lymphatic drainage massage instead of kneading
- Loose underwear without wires
- Wean gradually
