Lactostasis is a common occurrence among nursing mothers. If you ask women who have breastfed, almost everyone admits that at least once they have encountered pain, heat, or tightness in the breast. What is this – mastitis, lactostasis, milk stagnation? Many young mothers in a similar situation have no idea what the correct name for this condition is and what to do.

We will tell you about three steps to carefully get rid of lactostasis. First, let's briefly understand the terminology and reasons for this phenomenon.

Lactostasis is a blockage of one or more milk ducts, resulting in stagnation of milk in the mammary gland.

Now let's find out why this unpleasant condition occurs.

Causes of lactostasis

The most common situations in which the problem of insufficient breast emptying may develop:

• improper attachment of the baby to the mother's breast;
• physical compression of the breast: with hands during feeding, uncomfortable underwear during sleep;
• hyperlactation is a condition in which more milk is produced in the breast than the baby can suck, often resulting from excessively frequent and intense pumping “dry”;
• feeding with long breaks, by the hour, and not on demand;
• abrupt termination of breastfeeding and transition to artificial formula.

How to determine if you have lactostasis

• During a breast self-examination, a woman may feel a lump. Stagnation is able to change its shape and move when palpated.
• Often, lactostasis is accompanied by a slight rise in temperature and general weakness of the mother.
• The skin on the mammary gland at the site of the lump appears inflamed, with a pronounced vascular pattern due to edema.
• With an advanced form of lactostasis, the area of ​​compaction becomes painful.

Lactostasis in itself is not a disease. This is a temporary condition of the mammary glands, most often found in women who have given birth for the first time, but sometimes occurs after the second and subsequent births. However, if nothing is done, lactostasis in a matter of days goes into the stage of mastitis, which will require medical intervention, including surgery.

To cope with the problem of milk stagnation as soon as possible, you need to take only 3 steps:

STEP 1: Before feeding, or Heat on the chest

Before you pick up your baby for feeding, you need to prepare your breasts:

• Apply a warm diaper for a couple of minutes or go to the shower, where you direct a warm stream of water onto your chest;
• give a soft massage: tapping, shaking, stroking;
• If you have too much milk and your baby can’t cope with the quantity, you should express milk from the breast you are going to give now.

STEP 2: During feeding, or change position

When feeding, it is important to position the baby so that his chin is in the same area as the lump. Thus, if the seal goes into armpit, it is worth trying feeding in the “under-arm” position.

If the lump is localized in the upper part of the mammary gland, the “jack” position is good, when the baby lies on the bed and the mother gets on all fours on top.
By the way, in the position on all fours, milk comes out quite effectively. But it is worth noting: it does not bring comfort to the mother.

After the mother has chosen a comfortable feeding position, it is necessary to ensure that the grip is correct. The child should grasp part of the areola along with the nipple. If the grip is correct, then the baby sucks calmly, without smacking, and the mother does not feel sharp pain in the nipple.

During feeding, it is advisable to continue massaging the problem area with your free hand: gently and carefully perform the same movements - tapping, stroking and shaking.

STEP 3: After feeding, or Cold on the chest

It is very important to complete feeding correctly in order to relieve swelling and reduce milk flow. To do this, we apply dry cold to the problem area for several minutes. This can be a special compress from a travel first aid kit or any product from the freezer, wrapped in a diaper or towel. Many people like cabbage leaf compresses. You can use it, just remember: the effect will only come from a cold compress, which means keeping it on all night makes no sense.

• Be sure to continue feeding from both breasts.
• It has been proven that when the mother is calm, the outflow of milk occurs more easily, which means that during feeding you need to try to abandon worries and problems and relax.
• Do not crush your mammary glands under any circumstances! Use only a soft and comfortable massage.
• Wear comfortable underwear specially designed for nursing mothers.
• Don't overuse pumping. Remember that it is impossible to express “dry”, and that the same amount of milk will arrive as was emptied from the breast. Pumping is justified in isolated cases. In most cases, simply sucking your baby is enough.

Thanks to these three simple steps, mom will feel better very quickly. Complete healing from lactostasis should occur within 2-3 days. If after this time you do not feel relief, the temperature rises, the painful lump on the chest does not resolve, consult a doctor.

“EasyPoleno” wishes all mothers happy and comfortable breastfeeding!

Lactostasis (from Latin lac - milk and Greek stasis - stagnation) is a violation of lactation, stagnation of milk, resulting from excessive milk production by the gland and/or decreased patency of the excretory duct of the mammary glands.

Source: nazdorovie.info

Lactation is a complex neuroendocrine process, in the occurrence and maintenance of which many organs and systems take part. female body. Lactostasis most often occurs during a period when a balance has not yet been achieved between the capabilities of the excretory pathways and the productivity of the secretory parts of the mammary glands that synthesize milk during lactation. The alveoli, in which milk is secreted, are located at different depths, each of them is connected to the nipple by the milk ducts. Milk is released through a system of ducts to the nipple, in which the lacteal sinuses open. If the process of milk removal from the alveoli is disrupted, milk stagnation occurs in a certain segment of the mammary gland, and a so-called milk plug is formed. The gland tissue in the area of ​​stagnation swells and infiltrates, thickening and soreness appear. Pressure in the ducts and lobules of the mammary gland increases, which inhibits further lactation.

Under unfavorable circumstances, lactostasis transforms into mastitis.

Lactostasis is a common pathology of the postpartum period; every third nursing woman experiences a temporary disruption of milk flow.

Causes of lactostasis

• refusal breastfeeding child;
• premature weaning of the child;
• infrequent feedings, limiting the frequency or duration of sucking, long breaks between feedings;
• narrowness and tortuosity of the milk ducts, due to the physiological characteristics of the body;
• anatomical features of the nipple structure, inverted or flat nipples;
• incomplete emptying of the breast due to sagging of its lower part when large sizes mammary glands;
• excess milk production due to hyperlactation;
• incorrect technique for attaching to the breast, incorrect position of the child when feeding, incorrect grip of the nipple by the child;
• feeding in the same position;
• compression of some areas of the mammary glands during feeding;
• cracked nipples;
• lethargy of the baby's sucking;
• regular unnecessary pumping;
• tight clothing, wearing a bra that is too tight;
• habit of sleeping on the stomach, squeezing the mammary gland during sleep during breastfeeding;
• excess animal fats in the diet of a nursing mother;
• mechanical injuries of the mammary gland;
• dehydration, insufficient drinking regime;
• history of mastopathy;
• inadequate rest, nervous tension, frequent stressful situations, provoking vascular spasms and narrowing of the ducts.

To improve the flow of milk from the mammary glands, it is recommended to increase the frequency of breastfeeding to the affected breast.

Symptoms of lactostasis

Lactostasis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• discomfort, feeling of heaviness, fullness in the mammary gland;
• moderate pain when touched;
• the appearance of compactions, less often compaction of the entire mammary gland, redness;
• local increase in temperature in the area of ​​stasis;
• swelling and redness of the affected area, the skin in the affected area becomes tense and shiny;
• a pronounced vascular network on the skin of the sore breast;
• milk is expressed in a scanty, uneven stream;
• change in nipple shape;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• deterioration of general condition: weakness, chills, headache.

Diagnosis of lactostasis

Diagnosis of lactostasis begins with a physical examination, superficial and deep palpation of the mammary glands, measuring body temperature and collecting a general history. The picture of pregnancy and the lifestyle of the nursing mother are taken into account.

If necessary, the identified signs of lactostasis are examined in detail using laboratory and instrumental diagnostics: general and biochemical blood tests, general urinalysis, ultrasound of the mammary glands.

Treatment of lactostasis

Treatment of lactostasis consists of establishing lactation through the correct feeding and pumping regimen, massage, etc.

It is important to prevent a sharp increase in the amount of milk: reduce to a minimum (no more than 1 liter per day) the amount of fluid consumed during the treatment period. Since drinking warm liquid causes a rush of milk, you should avoid decoctions and teas that increase lactation, and approach first courses with caution.

Pharmacological therapy in the treatment of lactostasis is practically not carried out.

To improve the flow of milk from the mammary glands, it is recommended to increase the frequency of breastfeeding to the affected breast. Feedings are carried out according to the 2:1 principle (two feedings in a row from the affected mammary gland, one from the healthy one). If there is severe pain at the beginning of feeding, the baby should be placed on a healthy breast.

Particular attention should be paid to correcting incorrect attachment and position of the child during feeding. Feeding should be carried out in such a way that the baby's chin is facing towards the formed lump in the mammary gland, since during sucking the lower jaw makes the most active movements that help neutralize the lump. For example, if the duct in the outer lower segment of the breast is affected, the best position for feeding is from under the arm; with this method, the woman is in a semi-recumbent position, leaning on the forearm and thigh. If stagnation of milk has formed in the upper segments of the breast, “jack” feeding is effective, when the baby lies on its side and its legs are placed along the mother’s head. To find a comfortable position, you can use special feeding pillows or other devices. Another way to empty your breasts well is to use moderate compression and breast massage in the area of ​​the lump during feeding.

Source: grud.guru

To stimulate the oxytocin reflex, it is allowed to apply a napkin or diaper soaked in moderately warm water to the mammary gland. Expressing under a warm shower or in a warm bath is quite effective.

Massage of the mammary glands, aimed at improving the outflow, helps to make expressing milk easier. breast milk, activation of the mammary glands, normalization of blood and lymph circulation in the area of ​​​​damage to the mammary gland, reduction of pain. Massage for lactostasis should be done for 5-10 minutes before feeding or pumping, as well as after feeding.

An urgent visit to a doctor is necessary if you experience severe pain, a temperature above 38 °C, or purulent discharge from the nipple.

During the massage, the mammary gland is raised, moved slightly to the side and supported in this position with one hand, with the free hand at this time soft circular movements from the base of the breast to the nipple, Special attention focusing on the affected duct. Add gentle tapping on the chest with your fingertips. Strong compression of breast tissue during massage can contribute to compression of the milk ducts.

Expressing milk from the breast during lactostasis is carried out several times a day, before feeding and in the intervals between breastfeeding. There is no need to express after each feeding; this way, the brain receives incorrect information about how much milk the baby needs, and more milk begins to arrive. Preference should be given to manual expression, as the most physiological, gentle, least traumatic method of normalizing the outflow of breast milk. If necessary, breast pumps can be used. After emptying the mammary gland, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the area of ​​greatest compaction to relieve swelling and reduce inflammation.

Pharmacological therapy in the treatment of lactostasis is practically not carried out.

If lactostasis does not go away within 2-3 days, you need to seek professional help.

Complications of lactostasis

Under unfavorable circumstances, lactostasis transforms into mastitis. The woman’s well-being worsens, her body temperature rises, soreness and redness of the affected area increases, pain in the area of ​​the lump can be felt when changing body position or walking.

Lactostasis is a common pathology of the postpartum period; every third nursing woman experiences a temporary disruption of milk flow.

With inadequate treatment of the disease, non-infectious mastitis progresses, and after a few days the infiltrative stage of the disease occurs. The skin turns red, the mammary gland swells and enlarges, and abscesses appear at the site of the inflamed lumps. An urgent visit to a doctor is necessary if you experience severe pain, a temperature above 38 °C, or purulent discharge from the nipple.

Forecast

If symptoms of lactostasis are identified in a timely manner and all recommendations are followed, it is resolved without any complications. In most cases, in the first few days the temperature drops, the outflow of milk from the mammary gland normalizes, the seals disappear, leaving no negative consequences neither for the nursing mother nor for the child.

Prevention of lactostasis

Prevention of lactostasis during breastfeeding includes the following measures:

• training in effective breastfeeding practices;
• compliance with the rules of personal hygiene of a nursing mother;
• drinking the optimal amount of fluid;
• proper organization of breastfeeding;
• changing and alternating feeding positions;
• free feeding and unlimited presence of the child at the mother’s breast;
• wearing comfortable underwear;
• proper rest and balanced nutrition;
• strengthening the immune system;
• correct body position during sleep;
• protecting the breast from mechanical injuries;
• timely treatment of nipple damage and engorgement of the mammary glands.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

– stagnation, retention of milk in the excretory ducts of the mammary gland of a nursing woman. Lactostasis can be associated with blockage or spasm of the excretory duct, hyperlactation, difficulties with feeding, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding, or wearing too tight underwear. It is accompanied by soreness of the gland, thickening and redness of some of its areas, pain during feeding and pumping. Failure to take measures leads to a deterioration in general health, the development of first uninfected and then infected mastitis, which requires surgical intervention.

General information

Lactostasis is an accumulation of milk in the mammary gland of a nursing woman, which develops as a result of obstructed outflow. It is characterized by thickening of the gland, pain on palpation, expansion of the saphenous veins on the chest in the area of ​​stasis. Sometimes body temperature can rise to low-grade levels. Tension and soreness of the gland can either be relieved after its emptying or persist.

Causes and mechanisms of development

The causes of lactostasis may be a decrease in the patency of the excretory duct, excessive production of milk by the gland, as well as a combination of hyperlactation with obstruction or spasm of the ducts.

The development of lactostasis is facilitated by the anatomical features of the gland: a flat nipple, narrow milk ducts with pronounced secretory activity of the gland, sagging breasts. Lactostasis is also provoked by refusal of breastfeeding, difficulty feeding (presence of cracks in the nipples, improper attachment to the breast, weak sucking activity in the baby). Impaired milk flow is caused by tight underwear, sleeping on the stomach, hypothermia of the chest, psychological stress, and hard physical work.

In the first days after birth, when lactation is established, there is often an excess of milk. As a rule, on the third or fourth day (with repeated births it may be earlier) active lactation begins, and the baby sucks out quite a little milk in those days. As a result, the mammary glands are not completely released. During the first lactation, in addition, there is some difficulty in outflow - the milk ducts are narrow, tortuous and require development, pumping is difficult due to the lack of skill.

The milk remaining in the gland causes an increase in pressure in the ducts and lobules; the gland tissue in the area of ​​stagnation infiltrates and swells, which causes compaction and pain. The milk is partially reabsorbed and contributes to the development of fever. Increased pressure in the lobules helps reduce milk production and inhibits further lactation. With prolonged total lactostasis, milk production stops.

Symptoms of lactostasis

The main manifestation of lactostasis is a painful thickening of the gland area. In addition, there may be a feeling of heaviness and fullness. With prolonged stasis, a feeling of heat and local hyperemia develops, an increase in body temperature to subfebrile and febrile levels.

Sometimes pain is not accompanied by hardening. As a rule, symptoms subside after feeding. Feeding itself may be accompanied by severe pain. The stagnation zone can shift and increase.

Treatment of lactostasis

With lactostasis, it is necessary to ensure the maximum possible emptying of the mammary gland. The expansion of the ducts is facilitated by moderate warming and chest massage. To reduce the likelihood of reflex stasis, quality rest, avoidance of stress, and limiting the wearing of underwear that compresses the chest are recommended. It is recommended to sleep not on your back and stomach, but on your side.

You should try to feed as often as possible (but not more than once every two hours). When you start feeding, you must immediately attach the baby to the “sick” breast. The fact is that in order to suck milk out of the stagnant area, the child has to make maximum sucking efforts, and when he has already eaten, he may become lazy and refuse to suck. However, healthy breasts also require careful emptying. Feeding should be done in a position that is convenient and comfortable for the baby, providing the baby with maximum contact with the nipple and facilitating sucking. If the baby does not suckle frequently and intensively enough, it is necessary to express excess milk.

Massaging the breast with stroking movements in the direction of the nipple helps increase the outflow.

Prevention of lactostasis

The main prevention of lactostasis is regular feeding and careful expression of remaining milk. It is recommended to avoid wearing tight, uncomfortable underwear, physical activity and stress, sleep on your side, and drink enough fluids, vegetables and fruits.

If lactostasis does develop, it is necessary to take all necessary measures to resolve it as soon as possible and under no circumstances stop lactation. Often in the breast, where lactostasis occurs, milk production decreases. As a rule, after the stagnation is cleared, the secretory activity of the gland returns to its previous level.

A woman's lack of milk to feed her baby is a significant problem. However, its abundance can also cause situations in which a woman experiences discomfort. In most cases, this leads to stagnation of milk in the mammary glands. This pathology is called lactostasis.

The mechanism of pathology development

When the lobules of the mammary gland begin to actively produce full-fledged milk (usually this happens on the second or third day after the birth of the child), normally it should pass through the ducts and be released from the holes in the nipples. This process is activated when the newborn sucks the breast, or during the process of pumping, reflexive and mechanical stimulation of the breast. If the ducts are clogged with a milk plug or pinched, milk begins to stagnate in them, and lactostasis occurs.

Causes of milk stagnation

Breast injuries.

Breast bandaging to stop lactation.

Refusal to breastfeed a child if lactation continues.

Dehydration.

Cracked nipples.

Hypothermia.

Pathologies of breast development: sagging lower parts of the glands, inverted nipple, narrow milk ducts.

Neglect of expressing leftover milk after feeding and excessive lactation.

The habit of sleeping on your stomach.

Incorrect selection of a bra, which puts pressure on the upper and lateral quadrants of the chest.

Holding the breast with a scissor-like grip during feeding, which leads to squeezing of the milk ducts.

Incorrect technique for attaching the baby to the breast, as a result, the newborn grasps the nipple with the areola, as a result of which not all milk lobules are freed from the secretion.

Incomplete release of milk from the breast. Reasons: shortening the time of one sucking (less than 20 minutes), refusal to perform night feedings, infrequent attachment of the child to the breast, feeding with one breast for several feeding sessions.

Symptoms of lactostasis in nursing women

Uneven spraying of milk: lack of milk release from certain passages, drip release, uneven streams.

Feeling of chest fullness and pain.

Uneven breast density, tuberosity.

Breast tightening.

Asymmetrical enlargement of the mammary gland.

In the absence of actions aimed at eliminating the pathology, lactostasis may develop into more severe over the course of 1-2 days. serious complication– inflammation of the breast (mastitis), which requires more serious treatment using antibiotics and physiotherapy. This complication is quite often the reason for refusing to breastfeed a newborn. If lactostasis is suspected, it is necessary to differentiate its symptoms from infectious or congestive mastitis.

Differences between mastitis and lactostasis

Treatment of lactostasis at home

Stagnation of milk in the breast requires, first of all, regular and proper emptying of the breast. Any woman can perform this procedure at home.

Breasts with congestion need to be warmed up. This is achieved by using a hot shower. You need to perform a soft circulating chest massage. You can also use dry heat: a bag of salt or a heating pad for 15 minutes. Vodka and alcohol compresses are not recommended in our time, since it is believed that alcohol reduces the secretion of oxytocin and, accordingly, inhibits lactation. In general, this statement is very doubtful, because it is unlikely a large number of alcohol can penetrate the blood through the skin.

Next, you need to begin the pumping process itself. Aggressive massage and brute force are not recommended due to the risk of further compression of other gland ducts. The massage should be performed gently and carefully, with movements directed from the base of the breast to the nipple. To express milk, you need to place four fingers on the lower part of the breast, and place your thumb in the areola area. The movements should repeat the baby's grasping of the nipple and part of the areola. However the best option will use an electric, vacuum or mechanical breast pump.

After pumping, the baby is fed on demand or according to a schedule, but with breaks of no more than 3 hours, including at night. It is important that the baby suckles at the breast as much as he needs, not only to be completely satisfied, but also to calm down. There is no need to artificially interrupt and shorten the periods of sucking, since some lobules of the mammary gland will not have time to empty themselves during this time.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the technique of correctly attaching the baby to the breast. The child's head and torso should be located on the same line. In this case, the mammary gland should be supported with the help of 4 fingers from below and the thumb from above, but you should not squeeze the breast.

To relieve swelling of the mammary gland after feeding the baby, you can apply Troxevasin gel, arnica ointment, and cabbage leaves to it.

There is no need to limit your drinking regimen, even if there is a large volume of milk.

If the symptoms of lactostasis do not disappear within 1-2 days, redness of the skin and thickening of the gland begins, body temperature rises, and health is disturbed. In such cases, you need to contact a gynecologist.

Correct pumping technique

Four fingers of the hand should be placed below the mammary gland at the demarcation of the white skin and the pigmentation of the areola. Thumb lies on top of the same border. Fingers should not slide over the leather, as friction can cause abrasions.

The first movement is pressing with your fingers towards the chest, the movement should imitate the capture of a duct with milk.

The second is moving along the ducts with your fingers.

In order not to provoke an increase in milk volume during increased lactation, you need to express milk for a long time, but not more often than three times a day.

At night, in the period from 2 to 8 hours (the time of peak oxytocin production), pumping should be avoided, it is better to replace them with feeding.

What is the best way to feed if you have lactostasis?

If there are prerequisites for milk stagnation, it is advisable to constantly change the positions in which the baby is fed throughout the day. For example, alternate feeding while sitting and lying down. You also need to alternate mammary glands, offering the baby another at each new feeding.

If there is stagnation in the area closer to the sternum, feeding is performed while sitting, while the baby’s legs and butt should be behind the mother’s back, and the head at the chest.

If there is stagnation in the axillary sections, also the “from the armpit” position (described above).

If there is congestion in the anterior lobes of the chest, feeding should be performed while bending over the newborn.

Treatment of lactostasis in nursing mothers

Treatment of pathology is performed in an outpatient setting. Such complaints are not sent to the hospital. After the examination, the doctor gives recommendations regarding feeding and pumping techniques and prescribes an ultrasound for 3-7 days. Ultrasound of the mammary glands is also performed. Among medications antispasmodics (drotaverine hydrochloride, “No-spa”), which dilate the ducts, and homeopathic gel “Traumel” are used for 3-5 days.

If there is an increase in body temperature and there is a suspicion of non-infectious mastitis, antibiotics from the group that are not contraindicated during lactation (Augmentin, Amoxicillin) are prescribed.

Prevention

Treat cracked nipples promptly.

Protect the mammary glands from hypothermia and injury.

Wear comfortable underwear designed for nursing.

Sleep on your side and back.

Do not shorten feeding time.

You should not take long breaks at night.

Make sure your baby is latching on correctly.

If hyperlactation is present, you need to express a small amount of milk before feeding.

Try to establish feeding on demand.

Drawing a conclusion, we can say that lactostasis is a situation from which it is difficult to protect yourself, but still possible, especially in the first weeks of feeding. By following simple rules, you can certainly resolve this situation and avoid the development of mastitis, without losing breastfeeding.

quite a frequent companion of nursing mothers. Many people attribute such a lump in the chest to a “blow” and end up with mastitis. Therefore, every pregnant mother should know what lactostasis is and how to get rid of it. In this article we will talk about lactostasis, what kind of disease it is, how to deal with it, and is it possible to prevent this state of milk stagnation?

What is lactostasis?

What could be better than breast milk for a baby? Every mother strives to improve breastfeeding, since this is the nutrition that is most beneficial for babies. Don't believe me? Read the arguments in the article: . In addition to the fact that breastfeeding is good for the baby, the mother also needs it after childbirth to normalize the functioning of the mammary glands. But very often, feeding is not ideal. Chest pain appears, you can feel lumps. Such symptoms indicate that lactostasis is developing. What is lactostasis? The term lactostasis itself is translated as milk stagnation. In a broader concept, this condition appears when the “lobules with milk” are not emptied in time or the ducts are compressed. This leads to the formation of a milk plug, which prevents the passage of milk. Without treatment, this condition develops into mastitis. Which threatens surgical intervention.

What can cause a condition such as lactostasis?

The mother notices breast tenderness at the first arrival of colostrum, which appears after childbirth. You can learn about the appearance of colostrum from the article:. When this happens, the mother feels full, the skin is very painful, in medicine this condition is called postpartum engorgement. Frequent breastfeeding The best way get rid of such discomfort.

After the baby sucks milk, but the breast is not yet emptied, pumping is used, which is done after each feeding. But this is not always correct. In the first weeks, while the baby eats little, pumping takes place, but when he copes almost entirely with one breast at a time, such a method as pumping should be abandoned. What happens is that the more milk released during feeding + pumping, the more of it will come at the next feeding. Excessive pumping provokes overfilling of the mammary glands, and as a result, painful stagnation appears.

If there is a lot of milk left and it is impossible to do without pumping, then the procedure should be carried out before feeding (express the upper milk), as soon as the breasts become softer, pumping should be stopped. You can use pumping when there is severe distension, but not completely, but to a state of relief.

Mechanical impact. This influence can be caused by:

• a small bra;
• pressing the mammary glands when feeding (to open the baby’s nose);
• habit of sleeping on your stomach;
• injuries or bruises of the mammary glands.

In addition to external influences, lactostasis often appears due to the peculiarities of the physiological structure, namely:

• large size with a sagging lower part, this structure prevents complete emptying of milk;
• cracks in the nipple that appear due to the nipple being in the child’s mouth for a long time;
• obstruction of milk, which is caused by narrow ducts of the mammary glands;
• hyperlactation (active milk production).

In some cases, lactostasis can be caused by an anti-stretch mark cream, which women use to quickly restore their shape. While you are breastfeeding, it is better to forget about medicinal and cosmetic breast creams, but you can learn how to get in shape quickly from the article:. Missed feedings can also cause lactostasis, so try not to miss them.

Women who have undergone mastopathy or breast surgery before pregnancy are at greater risk of developing lactostasis. More details about situations with mastopathy in the article:. Monitor the condition of your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this will help avoid the occurrence of lactostasis.

What symptoms indicate that lactostasis has appeared?

Symptoms that indicate the appearance of lactostasis include the following:

• the appearance of chest pain;
• constant feeling of fullness;
• when palpated, compactions are felt;
• Painful sensations occur when expressing.

Initially, due to the hassle with the newborn, such symptoms may go unnoticed. Therefore, treatment is not carried out on time, which provokes an increase in temperature, as well as a deterioration in the woman’s well-being. The advanced inflammatory process causes fever and turns into non-infectious mastitis with further progression.

Have you already learned what lactostasis is? Now let's look at treatment methods

To treat the first manifestations of lactostasis, 1–2 days are enough. In cases of exacerbation, when no improvement is observed after the second day, more radical methods of therapy will have to be used. Let's consider what methods will help cope with lactostasis.

Frequent feedings

If there is stagnation of milk, feeding cannot be stopped. Only a child can empty the mammary glands to the maximum, since the breast pump and expression do not always cope with this task. Apply your baby as often as possible.

Initially, you can express some of the milk, and then give it to your little one. This sequence will give the greatest effect. The feeding position is also very important, based on the location of the lump, the baby should be positioned like this:

• armpit area - the baby is placed from under the arm;
• the upper part is the “jack” position, by the way, put the baby on the bed, and lie down in the opposite direction;
• internal stagnation - standard lateral feeding while lying down, only give the breast not the lower one, but the upper one;
• lower part – sitting position, holding the baby on your lap.

When sucking, help the baby by lightly massaging the mammary glands (in the area with congestion) towards the nipple.

Pumping and massage of the mammary glands

In some cases, additional pumping is necessary to get rid of lactostasis. It is carried out no more than three times in one day.

The following methods will help in this matter:

• a warm diaper or towel must be applied to the area of ​​compaction; it can be moistened in warm water;
• a hot shower will help dilate the ducts. You can express directly under the shower; use a stream of water to gently massage the area of ​​the lump;
• after emptying, apply a cool cloth to the place where milk stagnates for 5–8 minutes, this is done in order to reduce its production.

Massage the mammary glands; it should be done very carefully, carefully massaging the area of ​​milk stagnation. This massage should be done using a moisturizing baby cream.

Self-massage for lactostasis is a good prevention of mastitis. It should be done with stroking movements, slightly kneading. Movements are made from the top to the nipple.

Traditional medicine methods

So, we found out what lactostasis is, we discussed standard treatment methods, now let’s talk about folk medicine, which has its own recipes. But such treatment methods should be treated with caution.

1. Application of cabbage leaf. Mash it, then apply it to the mammary gland. Place linen fabric on top and secure with a bra. This compress lasts for 2 hours. Cabbage reduces heat and swelling.

2. Honey cake. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of honey with flour to form a dough. Make a flat cake from the resulting mass and place it on the place where the milk has stagnated.

3. Flaxseed compress. Grind the flaxseed and use hot water bring to a pulp state. Apply the cooled pulp onto a napkin and apply it to the inflamed area, put on a bra, and leave for 1-2 hours.

4. Potato compress. Grate raw potatoes, apply on a napkin and apply to your chest, press with a bra and hold for several hours.

We use prevention methods and forget what lactostasis is

It is known that prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the likelihood of developing lactostasis, you need to follow these simple rules.

1. Protect your mammary glands from any pressure, cold, or injury.

2. Choose loose underwear, without wires.

3. Prefer sleeping on your back and side.

4. Try to feed the baby on demand; frequent feeding negates the possibility of milk stagnation.

5. Once lactation becomes mature, which occurs towards the end of the first month of feeding, say no to pumping.

6. Make sure that the baby eats correctly, grasping not only the nipple, but also the halo around it.

7. If you have hyperlactation, consult a doctor, as this condition often indicates that a hormonal imbalance has occurred.

8. Check your breasts daily for lumps and massage the mammary glands.

By observing these simple rules you can forget about what lactostasis is and avoid getting acquainted with mastitis.