Aid for lactostatsis

Lactostasis is the stagnation of milk in the mammary gland. This is an unpleasant condition, accompanied by painful sensations in the chest and, in case of the absence of adequate help, threatening to develop into mastitis. 

The mammary gland is divided into segments, from each of which the ducts run to the nipple. When the duct is blocked, the milk stagnates, the breast tissue swells and becomes painful, the seal is felt inside. In the area of the gland in which stagnation has formed the breast may redden.

The temperature in case of lactostasis rarely increases, but if this happens, it is necessary to consult with a doctor. The increase in temperature can be caused by the fact that the milk, for a long time staying in the gland, is subjected to reverse suction, provoking an increase in temperature.

Unpleasant sensations become stronger with palpation and may not pass even after emptying the breast. Moreover, they can only increase during or after breastfeeding. 

Stagnation of milk occurs when there is a violation of the outflow of milk from the breast or its individual lobes, which occurs due to blockage, clamping or narrowness of the milk ducts. Inside the lobes of the gland the pressure increases, which can cause swelling, even greater compression of the ducts and slowdown of lactation.

An increased milk production which is observed at the beginning of lactation can also contribute to lactostasis. At the first birth the ducts of the breast are more convoluted and narrow which complicates flowing of milk. During lactation the ducts are "developed" and this factor of lactostasis disappears.

Lactostasis should be treated and not only because this condition is painful and unpleasant for a woman.

The consequence of stagnation of milk can be the development of an inflammatory process in the mammary gland - mastitis.

The main means of preventing lactostasis is applying the child to the breast but it is important to do it correctly. If the problem is observed at the beginning of lactation and at the first birth, it is better to ask nurse-midwives to show how to apply the baby to the breast properly. The experts can also tell you how to decant properly. If the stagnation of milk began after discharge from the hospital, then with the increase of symptoms it is better to consult a specialist for qualified help and improving the condition of the breast.

You can make an appointment with the breast physicians of the Oxford Medical clinic by calling us or by writing to the chat on the website.

It is necessary to fight lactostasis, and not only because this condition is painful and unpleasant for a woman. The consequence of milk stagnation can be the development of an inflammatory process in the mammary gland - mastitis.

The main means of preventing lactostasis is to put the baby to the breast, the main thing is to do it correctly. If the problem occurs at the beginning of lactation and during the first birth, it is better to ask midwives to show you how to properly put the baby to the breast. There, specialists can also tell you how to properly express milk. If milk stagnation began after discharge from the maternity hospital, then if symptoms worsen, it is better to contact a specialist to receive qualified help and improve the condition of the breasts.

After successful treatment of lactostasis, it is important to pay attention to restoring the normal functioning of the mammary glands and preventing possible complications. Doctors at the Oxford Medical clinic will help develop an individual rehabilitation plan, which may include:

• Correction of breastfeeding technique to avoid stagnation of milk in the breast in the future.
• Regular care of the mammary glands, including light massage.
• Physiotherapy procedures to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of repeated blockage of the mammary gland.

Specialists will also teach you how to treat lactostasis in the initial stages at home to prevent the development of more serious conditions. Proper rehabilitation is not only the key to the mother's health, but also the comfort of the baby.