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Choosing to breastfeed is just the first step in an amazing journey of new learning and discovery for you and your baby.
Over time, new mothers can face significant challenges.
Two of the most common are blocked milk ducts and mastitis says Kate Barry. A busy mother of two beautiful girls, Kate runs Little Bird Lactation from her home in New Zealand, and is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and registered nurse. “Although both of these diseases are very common, they are inevitable.” Women can breastfeed without blocked milk ducts or mastitis.
Recognizing the different symptoms of all these conditions is the best way to prevent and manage breastfeeding problems.
What is the method of blocking milk?
A blocked milk duct appears as a sore or tender lump* or a firm breast that remains after breastfeeding when the rest of the breast has softened.
Kate explains: “We used to believe that the blockage was caused by stagnant milk that blocked and blocked. “Now we’re learning that it has a lot to do with the inflammation that causes the ducts to shrink.” Read more here about the shape of the breast and how the ducts work.
The good news is that some of the best ways to treat a blocked passage are simple things that new moms can do at home, says Kate.
“Putting cold flannel, or Lactamo that has been in the refrigerator, in this area is recommended between meals.” Massaging the bath area with warm Lactamo – almost like you would massage a baby’s face, very gently – can also help.
Read more about milk storage methods here.
If a blocked duct is left, it can lead to mastitis.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue and affects about one in five Australian breastfeeding women in the first six months after giving birth. It can cause painful lumps in the breasts, flu-like symptoms, and worst of all, it can make breastfeeding mothers dangerous.
There are two different types of mastitis – inflammatory and infectious, and the latter responds to antibiotics. Read more here about mastitis.
Common symptoms of mastitis include:
- redness on the breast
- a sore, hard or spot on the breast
- flu symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, and joint pain.
Symptoms of mastitis can come on suddenly and get worse quickly so it is important to consult your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
Kate says: “I treated suspected mastitis in the same way I would a blocked procedure. “The big difference is often how you feel. Although the blockage is painful at the site, there are a few other symptoms. With mastitis, high fever and flu symptoms can make you very sick.”
“If fever and flu-like symptoms do not improve within 12-24 hours, seek medical help immediately.”
If mastitis is not treated it can cause sores on the breast which can be dangerous and can have an effect on future breastfeeding.
What to do and what to do to block the milk ducts and mastitis
It’s easy to feel like a new mom, but there are ways to feel better about yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Kate points out that although common, no blocked milk ducts or mastitis are an inevitable part of breastfeeding. If this happens to you, and to treat the symptoms, it is important to try and do something to prevent it from happening again, and to look at what caused the problem in the first place.
Often times when women return to work, they are unable to feed or pump often or regularly, or they are wearing tight clothing. When a child’s sleep changes suddenly, or something disrupts his eating habits, the body takes time to adjust.
One of the hardest, but most important, steps in treating both of these illnesses is staying healthy, says Kate.
“Although it is important not to increase the amount of water you pump in order to drain the blockage, which can lead to dehydration and other things, we need to keep the milk flowing properly, which means we have enough food. If necessary, consider ibuprofen but always consult your doctor first.”
The most important thing, says Kate, is to seek professional help and support if symptoms persist or return.
“If you have frequent blocked ducts or mastitis, see a lactation consultant who can help you identify the cause and help prevent further complications.”
*Note: while breast lumps are often a part of breastfeeding, not all breast lumps are related to breastfeeding. This site provides information and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have any concerns, always consult your doctor.
Where can I find help and support for breastfeeding?
Lactation Consultants Australia and New Zealand can help you find a lactation consultant near you.
Ask your doctor, midwife, obstetrician, or health care provider to connect you with a local lactation consultant.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has many resources available including a 24-hour helpline for new mothers, face-to-face consultations, and online classes.
Click on the links below to read more on these topics: