What to do if the breast is blocked and has a lump

During the breastfeeding period, if the mother feeds improperly, it may cause breast blockage. In severe cases, it may cause mastitis and lead to lumps inside the breast. At this time, you must pay more attention and let the baby suck the breast more. When it causes pain, you can use a hot towel for hot compress, which is very effective in relieving swelling. You should massage more often to prevent breast blockage.

What to do if the breast is blocked and has a lump

1. Massage the breasts to allow milk to flow out smoothly

When there is a local lump in the breast, you can use your fingers to massage in a circular motion from the outside of the breast toward the areola; do this in every direction, especially where the lump is. It will be more effective if you soften the lumps and then express milk or let your baby suck. Gently squeeze the areola before feeding to squeeze out some milk so that the baby can latch on more easily. You can also try different feeding positions.

2. Massage your shoulders and neck to relax

If a new mother has stiff shoulders and neck, she can ask her father to help with shoulder and neck massage. Massaging the shoulders and neck with a hot towel after the massage can also be helpful and improve breast blockage. This practice is very common in confinement centers in Japan! ,

3. Cold compress

When applying cold compress, be careful not to touch the area near the areola to avoid reducing the milk ejection reflex.

4. Soak in water or take a shower

Sit with a basin of warm water on your knees, bend your upper body toward your knees, soak your breasts in the basin, and gently shake your breasts. Gravity will allow the milk to flow out more easily. Or you can rinse your back with warm water to relax yourself, and massage your breasts at the same time to relieve the pain of breast engorgement. A better way is to take a bath or soak your breasts in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. You will find that your breasts are softer, which means the fat has been softened by the heat. Hurry up and grab your baby and suck it! Showering can only reach the blocked breast glands for a short time. A time-saving and labor-saving method is to soak your whole body in water.

5. Continue breastfeeding

The symptoms can only be improved by expressing the milk. Feeding in different postures at each meal will help you extract milk from different parts of the breast. Properly adjusting the feeding posture so that the baby's chin is facing the lump can help the milk in the blocked area to be discharged, so it is better to catch the baby and let him suck! In order to prevent milk blockage, breastfeeding mothers should eat less fried food and drink enough water.