What should be swollen milk? Know the cause & how to get rid of it

Swelling of milk is a problem that is often experienced by breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early weeks after birth.

Despite having a lot of good milk, it can cause problems if the amount is excessive in the breast.

This condition can cause mothers to give birth to discomfort, pain, and sometimes interfere with breastfeeding.

Because too much pain, it can also cause mothers to be windy so they can interfere with their daily activities.

If not treated, it can cause complications such as mastitis or breast abscesses.

Therefore, understanding the cause, how to eliminate swelling, and preventive measures are important to ensure that breastfeeding can pass this period more comfortably.

So this article, we will share with you more about why it can be swollen and effective tips for restoring it.

Also read: 12 Foods for People Who Have Surgery, Recover Fast!

What is swollen milk?

Swelling of milk is one of the problems that are often faced by mothers.

This condition usually occurs because the baby does not breastfeed well, more milk production than the baby’s needs, or not often breastfeeding.

In a simple sense, it can be equated to supply more than what is needed.

As a result, the breasts will be hard and swollen. Furthermore, the mother will experience breastfeeding problems.

Symptoms & causes of swelling

Usually the mother will feel swollen in the chest to the armpit.

At the same time, some other symptoms may be experienced such as:

• Pain, pain and swelling in the breast.
• The condition of the breast feels hot, looks red and there is a hard lump when touched.
• The nipples become swollen and the area hardened to make it difficult for mothers to breastfeed.
• Pain in the glands in the armpits.
• Mild fever.

The problem of milk swelling may rarely occur in both parts of the breast at the same time.

There are also mothers who are only swollen in the area or armpits. However, you don’t need to worry about how long the milk is. This is a common problem and can only be treated at home.

Some factors can cause breasts to swell, especially in nursing mothers. Among the causes are such as:

1. Incorrect baby gear

• If the baby does not stick well during breastfeeding, the mother’s breasts can be swollen. Problems such as short tongue ties, lips or sandals can make it difficult for the baby to stick and suck properly.

2. Breastfeeding does not occur often

• Breast swelling often occurs at the beginning of the breastfeeding period because the mother and baby are still in the process of adjusting. When a baby grows and starts breastfeeding, especially after starting to eat solid food, swelling may occur more often.

3. Breastfeeding table is inconsistent

• Breasts can also swell if the breastfeeding table is irregular. To avoid this problem, mothers are advised to breastfeed at least 8 times in 24 hours.

How to reduce milk swelling

Here are some steps that can be tried to reduce the problem of swelling from home:

• To make sure your milk flows smoothly, wash or wash your breasts with warm water.
• Mothers can also choose to take a shower with hot water and place water to the breast. During bathing, don’t forget to make a round massage in the breast.
• Train to breastfeed regularly for every two or three hours. If the baby is sleeping but milk is still flowing, it is recommended to pump milk.
• When swollen, squeeze milk by hand. This can help maintain the softness of the areola.
• To reduce pain due to swelling, you are also encouraged to make a slow massage in the breast.
• If your baby is breastfeeding directly from the breast, avoid pumping milk too often.
• To reduce pain, you can also squeeze breasts with stone water before and after breastfeeding.
• Avoid using small or too small breastfeeding bracelets.
• Consult your doctor first before taking any medicine to treat pain. This is because, it is feared that the drug can affect your baby.

Tips for using milk pam when the breasts are swollen

As we know, milk swelling occurs due to excess milk in the breast that is not removed. However, you are advised not to pump milk when the breast is swollen.

Pumping when swollen breasts are believed to cause slow swelling and can cause severe conditions.

Instead, you are advised to squeeze by hand. In this way, you can experience every channel in the breast.

In addition, some people think that hot hands can help increase milk flow.

When swelling in the breast becomes relieved, you can choose to use a milk pump in the lowest or light mode to reduce pressure.

Don’t keep going, consult a doctor

Although this problem can be treated at home without the need for doctor’s help, it cannot be easily taken.

If not handled properly, it can pose health risks for the mother.

So, you can try the treatment method that we have shared. You can also hold a breastfeeding session up to 10 to 12 times a day.

If you are still skeptical and the situation is still not relieved, you can consult with your doctor.

Support from lactation specialists can also help mothers improve breastfeeding techniques and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, milk swelling is a common challenge for nursing mothers, but they can be overcome with the right steps.

Frequent breastfeeding, the use of the right milk pump, and early treatment is the key to avoiding complications.

Do not hesitate to get professional assistance if needed, because maternal health is as important as the health of the baby.

Source:

1. Breast Engorgement: Causes and Tips for Help. Health line
2. Breast engine. Direct health