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The journey of a mother in breastfeeding her little one does not always run smoothly. In fact, many new mothers experience certain obstacles when providing exclusive breastfeeding to their beloved child. One problem that often occurs is when breast milk does not flow smoothly or is blocked. Now, if you are currently experiencing this, there is no need to panic because there is always a way out. Let's find out how to overcome clogged milk ducts in the following article.
Signs of Clogged Milk Ducts
Clogged milk ducts or blocked ducts is a condition where there is a blockage in the mother's milk glands that causes the flow of breast milk to be restricted. This makes it difficult for the little one to latch on and disrupts the breastfeeding process. So, how do you recognize that your milk ducts are blocked? Here are the signs!
- Breast milk comes out in small amounts and is not smooth, making the baby reluctant to nurse.
- There is a lump in the breast area that feels painful when pressed.
- Feeling heat in the breast area accompanied by swelling and redness.
- A small white spot (milk bleb) appears on the mother's nipple.
- Feeling uncomfortable while breastfeeding or pumping.
- The skin texture in the breast area becomes harder.
Read also: 5 Causes of Breast Milk Not Flowing & Expert Tips to Improve Milk Flow
Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts
Many conditions trigger a mother's milk ducts to become blocked. What could they be? Well, let's understand the various things that cause clogged milk ducts in the following review.
- Fatigue and stress experienced by new mothers.
- Mother has an iron deficiency leading to anemia.
- Not breastfeeding the little one regularly.
- Pressure on the breast due to the wrong sleeping position.
- Wearing a bra that is too tight or incorrectly sized.
- Decreased maternal immune system.
Read also: 6 Natural Breast Milk Boosters Good for Breastfeeding Mothers
How to Overcome Clogged Milk Ducts
When milk flow is blocked, it certainly makes you more anxious. However, do not panic because these obstacles can be handled in easy ways. Here are various ways to overcome clogged milk ducts that you must know.
1. Perform Lactation Massage
The first way to overcome clogged milk ducts is through lactation massage. You can do this yourself at home. The method is quite easy; first, massage the breast in a circular motion around the nipple area 15 to 20 times.
Continue by stroking the breast from the bottom towards the nipple area slowly and occasionally twist the nipple. Practice this method every day regularly!
2. Compress the Breast
Try to compress the swollen and hard breast with warm water. A warm compress will make the blood vessels dilate, so that the blockage in the milk glands will slowly clear up.
3. Take a Warm Bath
The next way is to take a warm bath. Soaking in warm water will make your body relax, so that the clogged milk ducts become clear again.
4. Utilize a Breast Pump
Sore nipples while breastfeeding often make mothers traumatized and stressed. This can then lead to clogged milk ducts. Well, overcome this by using a breast pump temporarily until the sore nipples heal.
Read also: 5 Benefits of Breast Milk for Baby Growth, Mothers Need to Know!
5. Manage Stress Well
Don't let this clogged duct issue stress you out even more. If left unchecked, it will only worsen your condition and delay the resolution of the blockage. Try to stay calm and manage your mood with some me time to just listen to music or enjoy your favorite snack.
6. Correct the Breastfeeding Position
Clogged milk ducts can also be overcome by correcting the breastfeeding position. You can start with the following ways.
- Hold the baby in the most comfortable position possible.
- Ensure you sit upright while relaxing your shoulders.
- The baby's position should be straight and facing the breast by directing the chin and nose to the swollen area of the mother's breast.
7. Do Not Wear Bras That Are Too Tight
Your breasts will generally increase in size when you start breastfeeding. Therefore, change your bra size immediately to match your current size. Wearing a bra or clothing that is too tight will actually clog the milk ducts.
8. Do Not Forget to Rest
Taking on the new role of a mother is indeed very exhausting. In fact, fatigue can cause clogged milk ducts. Therefore, do not forget to rest and ask for help from your partner, family, or caregiver to take care of the little one for a while.
Read also: 5+ Foods to Increase Breast Milk, Solutions for Low Milk Flow!
Choosing the right breast pump will also help you quickly overcome clogged milk duct issues. We recommend the HEGEN PCTO™ DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP NEW with a massage feature that helps soothe the body before, during, and after pumping.
With kneading and gentle cupping innovations, your breasts will release the hormone oxytocin which can effectively improve breast milk flow. The breastfeeding process will return to normal and you can provide exclusive breast milk to your little one with a joyful heart. Get the Hegen Electric Breast Pump product now by clicking here.
References:
- Bhinuri Darmawanti. Painful Breasts and Clogged Milk Ducts? Here Are the Causes and How to Overcome Them. https://ayosehat.kemkes.go.id/payudara-nyeri-dan-asi-tersumbat-ini-penyebab-dan-cara-mengatasinya#
- dr. Sepriani Timurtini Limbong. Effective Ways to Overcome Clogged Milk Duct. https://www.klikdokter.com/ibu-anak/ibu-menyusui/cara-efektif-atasi-sumbatan-saluran-asi
