Many of you have probably heard about how painful mastitis can be from your friends; some even describe it as painful as if they were “hit by a truck”! It’s really hard to fall asleep at night when your breasts are hurting like hell, especially with your husband sleeping peacefully at your side, which just makes you even madder.
But do you know that this “truck-hitting” like experience can be prevented if you do the right thing from the beginning and take early signs such as plugged ducts seriously?
Plugged Ducts
Plugged ducts, or blocked ducts, occur when your milk pores become blocked and your milk cannot flow out. You might see milk blisters, blebs, or white spots on your nipple. Plugged milk ducts can further develop into mastitis if not handled properly.
Related articles → Milk blisters, blebs, white spots
What are the Symptoms of Plugged Ducts?
- You can feel a lump in your breast.
- The blocked area might be red, swollen, or hot.
What can I do?
- Before nursing, soak cotton balls in olive oil and place them on your nipple. The baby’s suction could help the milk to flow out from the white spot.
- Massage the lump; it can help to loosen the clogged area.
- Soak cotton balls in olive oil, then use a blanket soaked with water and apply pressure on the nipple to release the blister.
- You might not feel the pain and the lump, so it’s better to self-check every time after nursing with your hands.
- Wear a wireless, comfy bra that doesn’t block your ducts.
If trying the solutions above still doesn’t help, consider seeking help from health professionals.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a type of breast infection, and there are many causes of mastitis. Some women are more prone to getting mastitis than others.
What are the Symptoms of Mastitis?
- Hot, warm breasts
- Swollen, painful breasts
- Lump in breasts
- Red streaks
- Fever
- Chills
Mastitis Step-by-Step Home Treatment
- Keep your milk ducts as empty as possible.
- Express the milk frequently.
- Drink more water.
- Rest in bed.
- Gently massage the blocked area and the surrounding area to aid milk flow.
- Apply a heat pack or warm cloth to the affected breast to keep it warm.
- Take a warm bath.
- Wear bras that won’t constrict your milk ducts, such as wireless or crossover bras.
- Apply a cold compress after nursing, such as an ice pack or a lettuce leaf, to alleviate discomfort from inflammation.
It takes time to cure mastitis, but if you’ve tried all the tips above and the situation still doesn’t improve, consider consulting your doctor and taking antibiotics.
Can I Still Breastfeed?
My milk looks pink and reddish because it contains my blood. Should I continue nursing, or should I consider weaning off?
According to WHO, you should continue breastfeeding as the milk won’t harm your infant. Even if you’re taking antibiotics, you can still breastfeed your baby. There’s no need to wean off just because of mastitis.
Rome wasn’t built in one day, and neither is mastitis. Follow the steps above, regularly self-check your breasts, and enjoy your breastfeeding journey!
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