Lactostasis: treatment, causes and prevention

Stagnation of milk during breastfeeding can be associated with the temporary obstruction of one or several of its ducts, through which milk from individual breast lobules enters the nipple. To the obstruction of the ducts leads to their transmission - for example, when wearing a tight bra, the wrong position of the breast during feeding. Promotes the development of lactostasis and sleep in an uncomfortable position, in which the chest is under pressure - in particular, on the stomach. The emergence of this disease state can also be a consequence of the anatomical narrowness of the ducts.

Lactostasis can develop as a result of incomplete emptying of the breast during feeding or decanting, and also because of excessive milk production. Often, it occurs as a result of the mother's refusal to breastfeed without carrying out the necessary concomitant activities - bandaging the breast and reducing the amount of fluid consumed. Finally, lactostasis, the treatment of which often requires the help of a specialist, may appear in a nursing woman due to nervous overload and lack of sleep, typical for the period of lactation, as well as for chest injuries - for example, as a result of a fall.

Symptoms of this painful condition are quite unpleasant: lactostasis, whose treatment can be quite long, is manifested by pain in the chest, its hardening, rising temperature (sometimes to significant digits). The mammary gland becomes hot to the touch, red spots may appear on it. To eliminate lactostasis, it is necessary, first of all, to ensure the outflow of milk.

The most reliable and effective way to eliminate lactostasis is the frequent application of the baby to the breast. The baby is able to empty the chest in a way that no breast pump will do. If the child eats little or sluggishly suckles the breast, or milk is produced too much, it is necessary to decant additionally. Here, each woman chooses the most suitable way for herself: one is suitable for an automatic breast pump, cylindrical or pump, another electric, and the third - expressing by hand. It is very important not to overdo it: pumping should be as gentle and not too frequent (1-3 times a day), otherwise it will provoke an increase in milk production, which in turn will intensify its stagnation and lactostasis.

Before applying the baby to the breast, it should be easily massaged towards the nipple in order to ensure easy milk drainage. It is also good to do a five-minute warm (not hot!) Compress on the halo area and nipple - this helps open the ducts. However, it should be noted that the warm shower recommended by many obstetricians to stimulate lactation should in no case be taken with lactostasis! This method can bring some relief only in the first hours of the formation of milk stagnation, and after this period it will only exacerbate the situation.

After a full emptying of the breast, to compress the painful symptoms of lactostasis, you can apply a compress with camphor oil for a period of 4-6 hours. The oil is applied to a piece of cloth, covered with a plastic wrap and secured with a kerchief. Some experts recommend using Vishnevsky's ointment in the same way , but it is better not to do it because of its strong odor: getting rid of it will be difficult, and the child may not like it. Do not use alcohol compresses .

Lactostasis, whose treatment at home can be ineffective, is well eliminated with the help of physiotherapy: ultrasound, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. Significant relief from lactostasis can bring and folk medicine: for example, honey applications, which are supposed to be applied for 1-2 hours. The cabbage leaf also helps a lot - it can be simply put inside the bra and changed after each feeding. However, with such an unpleasant phenomenon as lactostasis, treatment with folk remedies can not be considered as an alternative to traditional methods. When it appears, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially if the temperature rises to 38 degrees and above.

It should be understood that lactostasis, whose treatment was not started on time or was ineffective, can develop into mastitis, which often requires surgical intervention. Therefore it would be wiser not to wonder how to cure lactostasis, even after its occurrence, but to do everything possible to prevent it. To do this, first of all, comply with the regime and rules of breastfeeding, use sufficient, but not excessive amounts of liquid, as well as avoid wearing tight bras and protect the chest from injury.