How to clear milk knots

There are many reasons for milk lumps, one of which is that new mothers have no experience in feeding their children. When the baby first starts to drink milk, the new mother does not have time to feed the baby in time, resulting in a large amount of milk being blocked in the breast. Later, when the baby wants to drink milk again, you will find that no milk comes out no matter how hard the baby sucks. This is the most common reason for milk knots. How to resolve this situation?

When milk knots first appear, they are just small lumps. If you don’t pay attention to them, they will grow bigger and bigger. If you don’t pay attention to them, they will cause fever. What should you do if milk knots appear?

1Baby sucking or breast pump sucking:

Milk knots indicate that the milk flow is blocked, or it may be caused by not breastfeeding the baby for a long time. The best way to deal with milk knots is to let the baby suck hard. Do not wait until the baby is hungry to suck. Suction for a while every two or three hours. If the baby is tired and the sucking cannot go through, you can also use a breast pump. Normally, you should feed the baby on time. If the interval is too long, it will cause milk knots. If you are too busy to breastfeed, you can squeeze out the milk.

2. Keep a happy mood and don’t be upset:

The formation of milk knots is not only due to breast defects and irregular breastfeeding, but also has a lot to do with one's mood. You must maintain a happy mood during breastfeeding, be more open-minded, and don't quarrel with your family and husband, or sulk. Sulking, being depressed, repressed, and stressed can all cause or aggravate milk knots.

3. Repeated hot towel application:

If there is milk congestion, you can also use a hot towel to apply to the entire breast. Pay attention to the temperature of the towel. It should not be too hot to avoid burns. The application time should be about 15 minutes. Apply it repeatedly. While applying, you can also wipe it continuously with a hot towel. This will be effective.

4. Rub repeatedly while taking a hot shower or get massage from a professional:

If you have milk lumps, you can take a hot shower and rinse your breasts with hot water. At the same time, press your breasts with your hands and rub them a few times in the same direction and a few times in the opposite direction. You need to be a little forceful and don't be afraid of pain. Rub from the outside to the areola, or you can start rubbing from the lump or the painful area. Just rub the lump away. If you can't do it yourself, you can ask your family for help or find a professional for massage.

5. Break the milk foam to unclog the milk pores:

If there are milk knots, it means that the nipple pores are blocked, and it will be very painful when breastfeeding. The blocked nipple pores will be different from other unobstructed ones, and there will be obvious white spots. You can use a sterilized needle to prick these small white spots. Be gentle and pick accurately. Be sure to disinfect to avoid local infection. Once the blocked nipple pores are unblocked, there will be no milk knots.

6. Keep breasts clean and massage regularly and breastfeed regularly:

Keep your breasts clean and massage them frequently with your hands to prevent the formation of milk knots. Develop a good habit of regular breastfeeding and don't be lazy. When breastfeeding, let the baby suck all the milk and feel empty. At the same time, you should know that milk knots are easy to reappear, so you must massage and breastfeed regularly.

7. Drink more water to reduce fever physically:

Milk lumps can easily lead to fever. If you have a fever, but the temperature is not too high, below 38.5 degrees, the best way is physical cooling, such as applying cold or hot compresses to the forehead, or wiping the armpits, etc., drinking plenty of water, and using sweat evaporation to cool down. If that doesn't work, you can choose oral medication to reduce the temperature.

8. Eat a light diet and eat more vegetables, fruits and melons:

If you have milk clotting and a fever, you should pay attention to your diet. You cannot eat whatever you want without any restrictions. Your diet should be light and you should not eat greasy food or spicy or irritating food. Eat more vegetables, fruits and melons, and always measure your body temperature.

If you have milk knots and have tried many methods but still cannot unclog the nipple pores and massage out the milk knots, and you have a fever, you should go to the hospital for treatment. Don't delay, otherwise it will easily develop mastitis. Don't blindly believe in the experience or folk remedies of the older generation. Seeking medical treatment in time is responsible for yourself and your baby.