Breast Care techniques for engorgement, plugged ducts & mastitis.
Remember your breast is a gland like your thyroid and pancreas.
First make sure not to cause harm to your breasts or prolong your symptoms. Avoid these actions as they will increase inflammation, can cause damage, and worsen your symptoms:
1. Avoid vigorous massage.
2. Avoid breast massagers.
3. Avoid heat.
4. Avoid saline soaks, castor oil or other topical products.
If you suspect engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis, follow these steps:
1. Lymphatic massage for 60 seconds prior to nursing or pumping (if breasts are taut or tense)*
Lymphatic Massage for the Breast during Pregnanacy and Lactation
2. Regular milk removal by nursing or pumping if not able to nurse. Avoid extra pumping over your normal regimen. This will increase milk flow and increase congestion, worsening the situation.
3. Apply ice for 5-10 minutes After nursing or pumping. Do not place ice directly on the skin as this can cause skin damage
4. IF your MD has given you permission to safely take an anti-inflammatory medication, this can help when taken in appropriate doses
You can expect that your symptoms will begin to improve within 48-72 hr. Please contact your MD if they persist or worsen. Remember that inflammation is the main issue that is causing these symptoms. If you suspect Mastitis you should also place a call to your Medical Provider.
*add Lymphatic Massage anytime your breast feels taut, overdistended, and or swollen/congested. These techniques cannot harm the breast and can only help.
Reference:
Mitchell, K., et. al. (2022) Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022. Breastfeeding Medicine. 17(5). https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf
What is Mastitis?
Please call your doctor if you have signs of Mastitis. Please also call me so I can help with breast management. Signs of mastitis are:
This information does not replace individualized care from your lactation consultant or your physician.
Remember your breast is a gland like your thyroid and pancreas.
First make sure not to cause harm to your breasts or prolong your symptoms. Avoid these actions as they will increase inflammation, can cause damage, and worsen your symptoms:
1. Avoid vigorous massage.
2. Avoid breast massagers.
3. Avoid heat.
4. Avoid saline soaks, castor oil or other topical products.
If you suspect engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis, follow these steps:
1. Lymphatic massage for 60 seconds prior to nursing or pumping (if breasts are taut or tense)*
Lymphatic Massage for the Breast during Pregnanacy and Lactation
2. Regular milk removal by nursing or pumping if not able to nurse. Avoid extra pumping over your normal regimen. This will increase milk flow and increase congestion, worsening the situation.
3. Apply ice for 5-10 minutes After nursing or pumping. Do not place ice directly on the skin as this can cause skin damage
4. IF your MD has given you permission to safely take an anti-inflammatory medication, this can help when taken in appropriate doses
You can expect that your symptoms will begin to improve within 48-72 hr. Please contact your MD if they persist or worsen. Remember that inflammation is the main issue that is causing these symptoms. If you suspect Mastitis you should also place a call to your Medical Provider.
*add Lymphatic Massage anytime your breast feels taut, overdistended, and or swollen/congested. These techniques cannot harm the breast and can only help.
Reference:
Mitchell, K., et. al. (2022) Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022. Breastfeeding Medicine. 17(5). https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf
What is Mastitis?
Please call your doctor if you have signs of Mastitis. Please also call me so I can help with breast management. Signs of mastitis are:
- Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch.
- Breast swelling.
- Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump.
- Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breastfeeding.
- Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern.
- Generally feeling ill. (fatigue & muscle aches)
- Fever of 100.4 F (38.3 C) or greater.
This information does not replace individualized care from your lactation consultant or your physician.