SORE BREASTSBy CADEN of Bigplanners.com
Whatever the cause of a sore breast, there are three basic rules to follow: Apply
HEAT, get plenty of REST, and keep the comfortably empty by FREQUENT NURSING.
PLUGGED MILK DUCT
If you notice a tender spot, redness, painful lump, or swelling in the breast, it may be a
plugged duct. Frequently this arises from improper positioning of the of the baby at the
breast . (See the section below on positioning). Often a plugged duct occurs when the time
between nursings is too long because of the baby sleeping through the night, supplementary
bottles, or over use of a soother.
Another contributing factor is constriction by a overly
tight bra or the bottom band of a fastened, non-nursing bra which has been lifted over the
breast for nursing. Sometimes a plugged duct is caused by dried milk secretions covering one
of the nipple openings.
Apply Heat, wet or dry, e.g. warm showers, hot wet packs, or a heating pad. Remove any dried
milk on the nipples by soaking with plain warm water. Massage the area gently and nurse the
baby or hand express some milk after treating the area with warmth.
Nurse the baby on the affected side first at each feeding. Nurse often and long enough to keep
the milk moving through the ducts. The more frequently you nurse the better. Encourage the
baby to nurse at least every two hours, including during the night, for as long as the
is tender.
Slow down, get more rest, stay off your feet, and stay in bed with the baby, if possible. Rest
the mother, not the breast.
Loosen constrictive clothing, especially your bra, or discontinue wearing your bra for a few
days. If plugged ducts recur frequently, you may want to try a bra of a different style or
size, such as one with a fuller deeper cup.
Check the baby's position at the breast. Baby's whole body should be facing you and he should
have at least an inch or more of the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple) in his mouth.
Try changing nursing position from time to time, e.g., lie down, sit up, use the "football
hold", etc. (Click Here or see the WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, available from La Leche
League).
One position that some mothers have found helpful in clearing a plugged duct is to
place the baby in the middle of a bed or on a quilt on the floor and get down on hands and
knees, allowing the breasts to fall free from the rib cage. In this position you can lean over
the baby to nurse.
A plugged duct will usually show improvement in twenty-four hours if the treatment described
here is followed, but we suggest that you "hibernate" by taking it easy for several days, as a
plugged duct may lower your resistance and contribute to a infection.
BREAST INFECTION
If you have the type of soreness described as a plugged duct, accompanied by a fever or flu-
like symptoms (feeling tires, achy, and run down) you may have the beginning of a
infection/mastitis.
It is best to start treating a infection as soon as possible and it is safe to continue
nursing on an infected breast. Studies show that the baby is not harmed in any way by nursing
when his mother has a infection.
Antibodies found in the milk protect the baby from the bacteria causing the infection.
Moreover sudden weaning makes the infection worse. Research on mothers with infections
shows that continued nursing helps to clear the infection much more quickly. Follow the
treatment outlined for a plugged duct: Heat, Rest and Frequent Nursing.
Generally if the infection gets steadily worse, or noticeable improvement does not occur within
24 hours, it is wise to contact your doctor who may prescribe an antibiotic. Even if an
antibiotic is necessary, continuing to breastfeed is best for you and your baby.
Most antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding. If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to take
it for the whole course of the treatment.
With some types of infection, a doctor should be contacted without delay. For example,
if both breasts are affected, if the nipple looks infected, if there is any pus or blood in the
milk, if there are red streaks near the sore area, or if the symptoms came on suddenly and
severely, these re signs of a bacterial infection that should be checked out by a doctor
immediately.
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