What are the symptoms of milk fever in women. How is milk fever diagnosed and treated. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid milk fever. How does milk fever affect breastfeeding mothers.

Understanding Milk Fever: A Common Breastfeeding Challenge

Milk fever, also known as mastitis, is a condition that affects many breastfeeding women. It’s characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. While it can be uncomfortable and concerning, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help mothers navigate this common breastfeeding challenge with confidence.

What Causes Milk Fever?

Milk fever typically occurs due to a backup of milk in the breast ducts. This can happen for several reasons:

• Improper latch or attachment during breastfeeding
• Infrequent or irregular feeding or pumping schedules
• Favoring one breast over the other
• Cracked nipples or nipple piercings allowing bacteria to enter the milk ducts
• Tight clothing or bras putting pressure on the breasts

It’s important to note that while mastitis is most common in breastfeeding women, it can also occur in non-breastfeeding individuals, particularly those who smoke.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Milk Fever

Identifying milk fever early is crucial for prompt treatment. The symptoms often come on suddenly and can include:

• A swollen, red area on the breast that feels hot and painful to touch
• A wedge-shaped breast lump or hard area
• Burning pain in the breast, either constant or during breastfeeding
• Nipple discharge, possibly white or containing streaks of blood
• Flu-like symptoms such as aches, high fever (101°F or higher), chills, and fatigue

Many women report feeling as if they’re coming down with the flu before noticing any breast discomfort. If you experience these symptoms, especially if accompanied by breast pain or redness, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Diagnosing Milk Fever: What to Expect

Diagnosing milk fever is typically straightforward and can often be done through a physical examination. Your healthcare provider will look for key indicators such as:

• A red, wedge-shaped area on the breast pointing towards the nipple
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
• Presence of fever and chills

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions such as breast abscesses or, in rare cases, inflammatory breast cancer. These conditions share some symptoms with mastitis but require different treatment approaches.

Are There Different Types of Mastitis?

Yes, mastitis can be classified into two main types:

1. Lactation or puerperal mastitis: This occurs in breastfeeding women.
2. Periductal mastitis: This type affects non-breastfeeding individuals.

Understanding which type you’re dealing with can help inform the most appropriate treatment plan.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Milk Fever

The good news is that milk fever is typically responsive to treatment, and most women start feeling better within a day or two of starting therapy. Here are the main components of milk fever treatment:

Antibiotics: The First Line of Defense

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for milk fever, regardless of whether you’re breastfeeding or not. It’s crucial to take the full course as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better after a few days.

Pain Management and Supportive Care

To manage discomfort and support recovery, your doctor may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain
• Plenty of rest and hydration
• Applying warm compresses to the affected breast before feeding to improve milk flow
• Using cold compresses after feeding to reduce swelling and pain

Continued Breastfeeding: A Crucial Part of Treatment

Contrary to what some might think, it’s important to continue breastfeeding or expressing milk during mastitis. This helps prevent further milk stasis and promotes healing. If direct breastfeeding is too painful, try expressing milk by hand or with a pump.

Preventing Milk Fever: Proactive Measures for Breastfeeding Mothers

While milk fever can’t always be prevented, there are several strategies that can reduce your risk:

• Ensure proper latch and positioning during breastfeeding
• Feed or pump regularly to prevent milk buildup
• Alternate breasts during feedings
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable bras and clothing
• Address any nipple cracks or damage promptly
• Practice good hygiene, especially when handling breasts and nipples

If you’re struggling with breastfeeding techniques or have concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation specialist. They can provide valuable guidance and support to help prevent issues like milk fever.

The Impact of Milk Fever on Breastfeeding and Milk Supply

A common concern among mothers experiencing milk fever is its potential impact on breastfeeding and milk supply. Here’s what you need to know:

Can You Continue Breastfeeding with Milk Fever?

Yes, not only can you continue breastfeeding, but it’s actually recommended. Continuing to breastfeed or express milk helps prevent further blockage and can aid in recovery. The milk remains safe for your baby, even if you’re taking antibiotics.

Will Milk Fever Affect My Milk Supply?

While milk fever can temporarily affect milk production in the affected breast, it typically doesn’t have a long-term impact on overall milk supply. Continuing to breastfeed or pump regularly can help maintain your supply during and after the infection.

If you notice a persistent decrease in milk supply after recovering from milk fever, consult with a lactation specialist. They can provide strategies to boost your milk production if necessary.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Milk Fever

While milk fever often resolves with proper treatment, there are situations where immediate medical attention is necessary. Be alert for the following signs:

• Symptoms that don’t improve within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics
• Worsening pain or redness in the affected breast
• Development of a lump that doesn’t soften after feeding or pumping
• High fever (above 101°F) that doesn’t respond to treatment
• Feeling increasingly unwell or developing severe pain

These symptoms could indicate complications such as a breast abscess or a more severe infection requiring additional treatment.

Can Milk Fever Lead to Complications?

If left untreated or if treatment is delayed, milk fever can potentially lead to complications such as:

• Breast abscess: A painful, pus-filled lump in the breast that may require drainage
• Sepsis: A rare but serious condition where the infection spreads to the bloodstream
• Recurrent mastitis: Some women may be prone to repeated episodes of milk fever

Prompt treatment and following your healthcare provider’s instructions can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.

Milk Fever in Non-Breastfeeding Women: What You Should Know

While milk fever is most common in breastfeeding mothers, it can also affect women who are not breastfeeding. This condition, known as periductal mastitis, shares many similarities with lactation mastitis but has some unique characteristics:

What Causes Periductal Mastitis?

In non-breastfeeding women, mastitis can be caused by:

• Bacterial infection entering through cracked nipples or nipple piercings
• Smoking, which can damage the milk ducts and increase susceptibility to infection
• Hormonal changes that affect the breast tissue
• Certain medical conditions that affect the immune system

How is Periductal Mastitis Treated?

Treatment for periductal mastitis is similar to that for lactation mastitis and typically includes:

• Antibiotics to fight the infection
• Pain relief medications
• Warm compresses to soothe the affected area
• In some cases, drainage of any collected fluid or pus

If you’re a smoker, your healthcare provider may strongly recommend quitting smoking as part of your treatment and prevention plan.

Long-Term Outlook and Recurrence Prevention

For most women, milk fever is a one-time occurrence that resolves completely with proper treatment. However, some individuals may be prone to recurrent episodes. Understanding how to prevent future occurrences is crucial for long-term breast health.

How Can I Prevent Recurrent Milk Fever?

To reduce the risk of future episodes of milk fever, consider the following strategies:

• Continue practicing good breastfeeding techniques, including proper latch and positioning
• Maintain a regular feeding or pumping schedule to prevent milk stasis
• Address any breast or nipple pain promptly to prevent damage that could lead to infection
• Consider using probiotics, which some studies suggest may help prevent mastitis
• If you’re prone to clogged ducts, gentle breast massage and frequent emptying of the breasts may help
• For non-breastfeeding women, quitting smoking and maintaining good breast hygiene are crucial

What is the Long-Term Impact of Milk Fever?

For most women, milk fever does not have any long-term effects on breast health or future breastfeeding experiences. However, if you’ve had recurrent episodes or complications such as breast abscesses, it’s important to discuss any concerns about future breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.

Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and experiencing milk fever doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have issues in the future. Many women go on to have successful breastfeeding experiences with subsequent children, even after dealing with mastitis.

Support and Resources for Women Dealing with Milk Fever

Coping with milk fever can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that there are numerous resources available to support you through this experience.

Where Can I Find Support for Dealing with Milk Fever?

Consider reaching out to the following sources for support and information:

• Lactation consultants: These specialists can provide expert advice on breastfeeding techniques and managing milk fever
• Postpartum support groups: Connecting with other mothers who have experienced similar challenges can be incredibly helpful
• Your healthcare provider: Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife with any concerns or questions
• Online resources: Reputable websites and forums dedicated to breastfeeding and maternal health can offer valuable information and community support
• Local breastfeeding support organizations: Many communities have groups that offer in-person or virtual support for breastfeeding mothers

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling with milk fever or any other breastfeeding challenges.

How Can Partners and Family Members Provide Support?

If your partner or a loved one is dealing with milk fever, there are several ways you can offer support:

• Help with household tasks and childcare to allow for rest and recovery
• Provide emotional support and encouragement
• Assist with applying warm or cold compresses to the affected breast
• Help track medication schedules and symptoms
• Educate yourself about milk fever to better understand what they’re experiencing
• Encourage seeking professional help if symptoms worsen or don’t improve

Your support can make a significant difference in the recovery process and overall breastfeeding experience.

Conclusion: Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Support

Milk fever, while challenging, is a manageable condition that many breastfeeding women encounter. By understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing how to seek appropriate treatment, you can navigate this experience with confidence. Remember that continued breastfeeding, proper breast care, and seeking support when needed are key components of managing and preventing milk fever.

Whether you’re a first-time mother or an experienced one, dealing with milk fever can be stressful. But with the right information, support, and care, you can overcome this hurdle and continue your breastfeeding journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers and support networks if you have concerns or need assistance. Your breast health and overall well-being are paramount, and there are always resources available to help you through challenging times.

By staying informed and proactive about your breast health, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also ensuring the best possible feeding experience for your baby. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and overcoming challenges like milk fever can make you even more resilient and confident in your ability to provide for your child.

Symptoms (Fever After Breastfeeding), Treatment & Prevention

Written by Danny Bonvissuto

In this Article

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention

On a good day, your breasts can feel tender. They’re always out on the front lines, taking the brunt of every afternoon jog and pouncing toddler. They don’t get infected often, but when they do, it can hurt like no bad bra or PMS pain ever has.

The catchall name for an infection of the breast tissue is mastitis. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s called lactation or puerperal mastitis. If you’re not, it’s called periductal mastitis. Mastitis can make you feel like you have the flu, but it can be cured a lot quicker.

Mastitis is a common condition in women who breastfeed. As many as 1 in 10 breastfeeding women in the U.S. get it. It’s caused by a backup of milk in the milk ducts. This happens when your baby isn’t sucking or attaching properly, or favors one breast over the other. Mastitis can also happen if you don’t feed or pump regularly.

Breastfeeding women aren’t the only ones who get mastitis. If you’re not breastfeeding, a cracked nipple or nipple piercing can cause the breast infection. Both allow bacteria to get into the milk ducts. This is especially common in women who smoke.

Just like any other infection, the tissue around the infected area becomes inflamed to keep it from spreading to other parts of the body. With mastitis, the infected milk duct causes the breast to swell. Your breast may look red and feel tender or warm.

Many women with mastitis feel like they have the flu, including achiness, chills, and a fever of 101 F or higher.

You may also have discharge from your nipple or feel a hard lump in your breast.

The symptoms of mastitis can come on very suddenly. You may feel like you’re getting the flu before you feel any discomfort in your breast. When you feel that pain or see the telltale redness, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor can diagnose mastitis based on a physical exam. The fever and chills give it away, as does a red, wedge-shaped area on the breast that points toward the nipple.

There are two things to rule out: a breast abscess, which happens when mastitis isn’t treated quickly, and inflammatory breast cancer, which is rare and shares the symptoms of redness and swelling.

Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, antibiotics should have you feeling better in a day or two. Take them as directed.

If you are breastfeeding, continue drinking lots of water, wearing loose bras, and resting as much as you can. Your doctor may suggest ibuprofen, or something like it, to take care of the fever and pain.

It’s important to keep breastfeeding and move that milk in and out of the ducts. Continue expressing milk if it is too painful to feed from the breast. 

Tight bras and clothing put pressure on your breasts. Keep things light and loose.

To keep milk from backing up, make sure your baby attaches correctly, and get all the milk out of each breast during every feeding. A lactation consultant can help if you need support.

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Mastitis – NHS

Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful. 

It is most common in breastfeeding women and does not usually need medical treatment.

Check if you have mastitis

Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include:

• a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have black or brown skin
• a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast
• a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed
• nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood

You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a high temperature, chills and tiredness.

Things you can do to ease mastitis

Do

• if you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed your baby when they want and for as long as they want. You can also offer your baby a breastfeed if your breasts are uncomfortably full

• when breastfeeding make sure your baby is positioned and attached properly. Your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist can advise you.

• a cloth soaked in warm water and applied to the breast (or a shower or bath) may improve milk flow

• breast pain may be soothed using a cold compress (for example a cloth soaked in cold water)

• rest and drink lots of fluids

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or high temperature

• try gently stroking from the top of the breast towards your nipple – avoid squeezing or rubbing too hard as this could make the pain worse

Don’t

• do not wear tight-fitting clothing or bras until you feel better

• do not take aspirin

• do not express more milk than your baby needs

• do not stop breastfeeding suddenly –  find out how to stop breastfeeding

• do not apply oils, soaks or creams to your breast

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• your symptoms do not get better 12 to 24 hours after treating it at home
• your symptoms do not get better 48 hours after taking antibiotics
• you get mastitis and you are not breastfeeding

Treatment for mastitis from a GP

A GP will usually prescribe antibiotics if you have mastitis and your symptoms are not getting better.

If you’re breastfeeding a very small amount of the antibiotic may go into your breast milk. There is no risk to your baby, but it might make them irritable and restless.

What to do if mastitis comes back

If you are breastfeeding and keep getting mastitis, it might be due to problems with positioning and attaching.

If you have any breastfeeding problems, it’s important to ask for help from a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.

Information:

You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, daily)

Causes of mastitis

Mastitis is common in breastfeeding women as it can be caused by a build-up of milk.

Women who are not breastfeeding can also get mastitis, as can men. This can be caused by:

• smoking – toxins found in tobacco can damage breast tissue
• damage to the nipple, such as a piercing or skin condition such as eczema
• having a breast implant
• having a weakened immune system due to a health condition such as diabetes
• shaving or plucking hairs from around your nipples

Page last reviewed: 17 March 2023
Next review due: 17 March 2026

Laktostasis – Into-Sana

Laktostasis is the accumulation or stagnation of milk in the milk ducts of the breast of a nursing mother, leading to swelling and inflammation of the breast tissue and the development of “milk fever”.

The female breast consists of 15-20 glandular lobes separated by connective and adipose tissue. Each lobe contains many small lobules responsible for the secretion of breast milk, and excretory milk ducts, which merge into one large duct for each lobe and open at the top of the nipple. With lactostasis, stagnation of milk can occur both in one or in several milk ducts.

Contents:

• Causes of lactostasis
• Types of lactostasis
• Symptoms of lactostasis
• Diagnosis of lactostasis
• Methods of treatment of lactostasis
• Consequences of lactostasis

Causes of lactostasis

The main causes of lactostasis are excessive milk production or violation of its physiological outflow, which is the result of the fact that the mammary duct is blocked, or it is too narrow and tortuous.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the formation of lactostasis. Among them:

• narrow diameter lactiferous ducts;
• feeding a child in one position, a rare change in body position;
• constriction of the ducts with tight underwear, constant wearing of a bra, sleeping on the stomach;
• cracked nipples, flat or inverted nipples that impair the baby’s ability to take the areola tissue into the baby’s mouth and lead to ineffective suckling;
• spasm of the milk ducts as a result of overwork or stress;
• blockage of the milk ducts “milk plug”;
• contusions, chest injuries;
• refusal of breastfeeding in the presence of milk in the glands;
• non-compliance with the diet during lactation, excessive consumption of fluids, fatty foods, leading to an increase in the viscosity of milk;
• frequent pumping until the breast is completely empty, leading to hyperactivity;
• incorrect attachment of the child to the breast during feeding;
• hypothermia, being in a draft.

Types of lactostasis

Excessive accumulation of mother’s milk in the milk ducts can be unilateral or bilateral. With unilateral lactostasis, the outflow of milk from only one breast is disturbed, with bilateral lactostasis, from both.

According to the reasons provoking breast milk stagnation, lactostasis is usually divided into three groups:

• lactostasis provoked by peculiarities of the anatomical structure;
• lactostasis resulting from inability to breastfeed;
• lactostasis, formed under the influence of external factors.

Symptoms of lactostasis

There are a number of signs by which a breastfeeding woman can identify probable lactostasis:

• hard, dense lumps form in the entire or part of the mammary gland, which are easy to feel on palpation;
• at the site of blockage of the milk duct, intraductal pressure increases and severe pain, fullness, heaviness is felt;
• in areas of milk stagnation, swelling, swelling, redness of the skin of the chest and expansion of superficial veins are observed;
• there is an increase in temperature.

Usually lactostasis is not accompanied by a change in body temperature or it becomes subfebrile (37-38 C). However, with insufficient emptying of the gland for a long time, stagnant breast milk acquires pyrogenic properties and causes a sharp increase in temperature (“milk fever”). When the temperature rises above 39° C, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this signals the onset of purulent-inflammatory processes in the mammary gland.

Diagnosis of lactostasis

If any of the above symptoms are detected, a woman should consult a mammologist. He will examine and palpate the mammary glands. As a rule, a physical examination is enough for a qualified specialist to make a correct diagnosis. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to additionally undergo an ultrasound examination in order, firstly, to confirm the presence of lactostasis and, secondly, to differentiate it from other, more serious pathologies of the mammary glands.

Methods for the treatment of lactostasis

For effective treatment of lactostasis, it is necessary to ensure a constant outflow of milk accumulating in the breast. This is facilitated by moderate warming and gentle breast massage. During the treatment period, it is recommended to avoid stress, rest a lot, do not wear tight squeezing underwear, sleep on your side, not on your stomach.

Feed your baby on demand, every 2 hours if possible. Night feedings are a must. First of all, you need to put the baby on the sore breast, because at the beginning of the meal the baby may make greater sucking efforts, which contributes to a more intensive outflow of milk. It is necessary to use different postures for application: in the cradle, from under the arm, on the thigh, lying on the arm, riding on the mother, with the breast overhanging. Before feeding or pumping, the breasts should be kept warm or warmed with a warm shower.

To increase the flow of milk, shortly before feeding, massage the swollen breast with soft circular movements in the direction from the base of the organ to the nipple. Ultrasonic massage is also effective. If necessary, pumping with a breast pump or hands is applied to a state of comfort.

It is strongly not recommended to apply warming or alcohol compresses to the sore breast, to exert considerable effort during massage, to sharply limit the drinking regimen. All methods of treatment should be prescribed by a qualified doctor, in no case should you self-medicate and use all kinds of folk remedies without hesitation.

Consequences of lactostasis

Mastitis, a bacterial inflammation of the mammary gland, is often a complication of lactostasis. With mastitis, soreness increases significantly, heat develops in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe affected chest and fever, red stripes appear on the skin. In milk, impurities of blood or pus may be observed. The development of mastitis provokes overheating or hypothermia of the mammary glands. If lactostasis remains untreated for a long time, an abscess (suppuration) of the mammary gland can also become a consequence of it.

Lactostasis in nursing: symptoms, treatment, signs

Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist

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Ekaterina Mikhailovna

Experience 13 years

Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist, member of the Russian Association of Human Reproduction, International Society for the Study of Aging, ARSM, ESHRE, Russian Association of Regenerative Medicine

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Laktostasis – a delay in the separation of milk in women during lactation. The cause of this phenomenon in most cases is a blockage or spasm of the milky passages. Other factors can provoke milk retention in the ducts of the mammary glands: wearing tight underwear, injuries, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding.

Causes of pathology

The development of lactostasis occurs against the background of a decrease in the patency of the excretory duct of the mammary gland with excessive milk production. The milky passages are prone to spasms, which cause their obturation. Anatomical features of the structure of the mammary glands of patients have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing lactostasis:

• flat teat;
• sagging breasts;
• narrowed milk ducts.

Often, pathology develops due to an abrupt cessation of lactation or difficulty feeding. Cracks may form on the nipples. Similarly, the likelihood of developing lactostasis in a nursing girl is affected by:

• incorrect attachment of the infant to the breast;
• insufficient sucking activity of the child;
• tight underwear;
• falling asleep on the stomach;
• chest hypothermia;
• stressful situations.

Some women experience blockage of the milky passages due to excessive physical exertion after the birth of a child.

Symptoms of pathology

Symptoms of lactostasis in a nursing mother are diverse. The primary sign of pathology is the compaction of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary gland. Patients complain of fullness and a feeling of heaviness in the chest. The impossibility of outflow of milk over a long period of time leads to an increase in local temperature and a change in the pigmentation of the skin. In the absence of medical assistance, the girl’s condition worsens. Body temperature with advanced lactostasis rises to 38-39degrees.

The pain syndrome is not always accompanied by the formation of a subcutaneous seal. Attempting to feed a baby can lead to a short-term relief of symptoms. The focus of stagnation remains mobile, the affected area can change location and increase.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of lactostasis is not difficult. An obstetrician or gynecologist examines the patient and palpation determines the localization of the seal in the chest. The girl is encouraged to track changes in body temperature. If there are signs of an inflammatory process, the patient is prescribed tests. Their data allows doctors to develop a strategy for drug treatment that will not affect the quality of the milk received by the child.

Treatment

The main task of all therapeutic manipulations is to create conditions for emptying the mammary glands. Moderate warming and light breast massage contribute to the normalization of the state of the milky passages. Girls should follow the regime and devote the necessary amount of time to rest. Relatives of patients should maintain a conflict-free home environment. Nursing mothers are advised not to sleep on their back or stomach, but on their side.

Expressing milk is an effective way to prevent lactostasis at the first sign of milk retention. The procedure may be painful, but it should be systematically repeated until the symptoms of the pathology disappear completely. A side effect of pumping is a burning sensation in the chest after the opening of the milky passage.

Prolonged lactostasis is a reason to see a doctor. A visit to the clinic is required for persistent pain, fever, hyperemia. Patients may experience breast inflammation. In this case, any warming procedures are contraindicated, as they will accelerate the progression of the infection.

Self-treatment of lactostasis is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding for the first time. Erroneous actions can lead to a complicated course of lactostasis and a complete loss of milk.

Complication

The most severe complication of lactostasis is mastitis – inflammation of the breast tissue. Patients face increasing pain syndrome. Later, fever and fever in the affected area join it. The skin of the mammary glands is covered with red stripes. Milk contains impurities of blood and purulent discharge.

The occurrence of mastitis is promoted by hypothermia (lactation in a cool room or in a draft) or overheating (hot shower, sauna) of the patient. Running lactostasis, complicated by mastitis, often causes the formation of a breast abscess.

Preventive measures

Prevention of lactostasis involves the observance of several recommendations by the nursing mother. The infant should be fed regularly (but no more than once every two hours), and milk residues should be carefully expressed using a manual or automatic breast pump.

Avoid wearing tight underwear. Limiting physical activity and stress during lactation significantly reduces the likelihood of lactostasis. An important role is given to the diet – it must include fresh vegetables and fruits.

When symptoms of lactostasis appear, you should not refuse to feed the baby. With a long delay in the outflow of milk, you should consult a doctor. Self-administration of any drugs is not recommended. It should be borne in mind that the affected mammary gland after recovery may produce less milk. Over time, the secretory function will be restored in full.

FAQ

Why should you not stop breastfeeding with lactostasis?

Refusal of lactation can provoke the development of complications, the most severe of which remains mastitis. Inflammatory processes in the mammary glands cause the formation of abscesses. Their treatment is a long and painful process that will not allow the patient to continue breastfeeding the baby.

What drugs are allowed for girls in the treatment of lactostasis?

Treatment of uncomplicated lactostasis does not involve the use of drug therapy. Girls need to express milk with a breast pump. An important role in the expansion of the lactiferous passages is assigned to the manual effect on the mammary gland. Massaging the affected area helps to normalize the outflow of milk. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs is justified in the development of mastitis. Antibiotics help eliminate the possibility of developing an abscess, the treatment of which will require surgical intervention.