Breastfeeding is one of the main sources baby nutrition you are up to at least six months old. By giving exclusive breastfeeding will help optimal growth and development. Although sometimes breastfeeding for some mothers experiences obstacles due to several problems related to the fluency of breastfeeding so that the quantity is reduced.
The problem that is often faced by new mothers is the smooth operation of breastfeeding which can be caused by several things including a blocked duct problem. What is the solution for those of you who experience blocked milk ducts? Blocked milk ducts are one of the problems that are often experienced by new mothers, usually occurring in the first weeks of your baby’s birth. When a blocked milk duct is usually indicated by your baby being fussy when getting breast milk, of course this does not apply to those of you who have prepared expressed milk. Usually fussy babies caused by blocked milk are characterized by a hunger that is not satisfied when your baby is breastfed directly. As long as the blockage is still there the possibility of fussing is difficult to avoid.
Clogged ducts occur due to the condition of the milk ducts not emptying completely, this can be caused by psychological or physical factors during the mother’s breastfeeding. Some of the causes of blocked milk ducts are due to psychological factors such as busy work so that the mother feels depressed and the baby becomes irregular in getting breast milk. While other factors are too heavy pressure that can be caused by tools hold the baby pressing on the breast or a bra that is too tight and clogs the ducts. The problem that may arise causing the milk ducts to become blocked is the baby who sleeps all night so that the frequency of getting breast milk is reduced.
For those of you who experience reduced quantity of breast milk due to blockage of the milk ducts, you can observe the signs, namely the appearance of symptoms of swelling in the breasts accompanied by pain, hardening of the breasts so that the skin around them tends to turn red. Although it can be resolved in just 24 to 48 hours, if you do not treat it in the right way, it creates the risk of breast inflammation or mastitis.
Get quick help when you experience a blocked breast milk duct, here is the treatment:
1. Do not stop breastfeeding when your breasts are sore. You can better empty the breast with a few steps such as you can directly feed the baby by positioning the baby towards the blocked duct. Then what is no less important is maintaining light pressure which will be useful in keeping the milk flowing.
2. Give milk from a blocked breast when your baby is really hungry because when hungry it will have a strong suction power so that it can help to reduce clogged milk ducts.
3. Give warmth to the area that is infected, you can use a warm pillow or use a hot water bottle so that it can provide immediate warmth and reduce pain. Pay attention to applying hot water, don’t make your skin hurt.
4. Avoid wearing a tight bra because it will exacerbate the blockage that occurs in your breasts. As long as you are feeling pain in the breasts, you should avoid using bras that use wires.
5. Try to rest and relax. You can give the free time to rest, try to sleep in good quality.
6. If you experience boils in the breast, you should consult a doctor, especially if the blockage exceeds 48 hours.
It is possible that the reduced quantity of breast milk can be caused by blockages, so consult a doctor for medical treatment, especially if you have experienced signs of breastfeeding blockage for more than 48 hours. Medical treatment using ultrasound is one of the tests performed by doctors. By doing treatment through Ultrasound therapy (USG) will help the condition to get better.
Thus, for those of you who experience breast congestion, you should be able to observe the blocked duct from the problematic milk duct or due to inflammation of the mammary glands or mastitis. A blocked milk duct does not need antibiotics because it is not caused by a severe infection. Then a blocked duct is usually not accompanied by fever. Even so, do help through a medical professional so that it reduces the risk of mastitis or inflammation of the mammary glands which will make the condition worse.
