Preventing and Treating Plugged Ducts and Mastitis
Plugged ducts and mastitis are common challenges faced by nursing moms. Both conditions are related since plugged ducts when untreated could lead to mastitis. We’ll discuss what can lead to a plugged duct, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have symptoms of any of this conditions.
A plugged duct is a milk duct in the breast that becomes “stuck” with milk. It means it’s not being drained properly. The reasons for poor drainage could be a tight bra, infrequent nursing, lack of good latching, not varying the position of the baby while breastfeeding, any other uncomfortable pressure to the breasts (like in uncomfortable baby carriers), and even the sleeping position of the mother.
External symptoms are not always present. It could appear as a hard, red sore spot on the breast or mom may just have discomfort in an area of her breast. Also, it could appear a white dot on the end of her nipple, with the look of a hardened milk pimple.
Prevention of plugged ducts is key for successful breastfeeding. It’s important to make sure mom and baby are having a good nursing and latching position, and that any discomfort due to tight clothes or sleeping positions are minimized. Breastfeeding frequently to “empty” the breast well (in fact the nursing breast is never completely empty) to avoid the feeling of being overly full. Also, if a breastfeeding mom is suffering from plugged ducts, she shouldn’t sleep on her stomach to avoid squeezing the breasts and avoid wearing tight underwear The same would be true of underwire bras. Some moms just can’t use them.
If you’re feeling symptoms of a plugged duct, make sure you take action immediately, since this condition can frequently lead to mastitis. Mastitis is more difficult to treat and causes more pain than plugged ducts, so it’s very important to keep the condition in the first stage. Some steps to take to treat a plugged duct:
* Breastfeed often, on demand.
* Use warm compresses before nursing to soften the breasts. Try gently massaging during feeding (from top in direction to the nipple, over the discomfort zone).
* Position the baby so her chin is pointing towards the sore spot. The sucking of baby is usually able to drain the plugged duct more effectively- yes, sometimes you need to adopt difficult positions!
* For quick and effective pain relieve, get in the shower and let the hot water run down the chest. Repeat the massage. Sometimes, mom will find out “milk crystals” coming from her nipple, which is a sign of drainage. This thickened milk is not harmful for the baby either.
* If the pain is bad, call your doctor and ask for a safe treatment for pain
* Lay down in bed. You need good rest, so take baby to bed immediately and encourage him to nurse frequently. If possible, spend most part of the day in bed.
Usually these tips will assure the problem will resolve in a day or two, maybe sooner. However, if you develop fever and chills and the plugged duct doesn’t resolve, it may have turned into mastitis. Mastitis feels like the flu, but it’s not life threatening. Weaning is not recommended since it would only make the problem worse.
The tips for treating mastitis are similar to those for plugged ducts. However, you may need to call your doctor for pain reliefs and antibiotics, when necessary. Make sure you have additional doses of rest, and don’t consider early weaning during any of these conditions because they would only aggravate the problem.
