A few days have now passed since the birth. Your baby has got used to its new life quite well. It is feeding itself so well that it usually sleeps quietly for a few hours. Preferably in your arms or in its pram. The milk has come in and you feel fit for the first outings with your baby. So get out of your dressing gown quickly. Into your clothes. You're ready to go. The first outing after the birth!
Many mothers notice that they can suddenly feel lumps in the breast tissue the next time they breastfeed. These are thickenings that are often sensitive to pressure and painful. They usually appear on the outside, in the lower part of the breast. Others only have symptoms the next day. It cannot be overlooked. The milk blockage. The woman who gets it recognises it immediately.
This is how you recognise milk stasis:
You can feel lumps in the breast, which are often larger before breastfeeding. The lumps hurt and are not necessarily on both sides. These areas feel warm to the touch. Some women have a slight fever. However, as with the milk coming in, the temperature will not rise above 38.4 degrees. Sometimes white blisters can also be seen on the nipple.
Where does the milk blockage come from?
The pain in your breast has a very specific cause: a milk duct has been blocked. The milk cannot flow out of it properly. Or the baby has not emptied the breast sufficiently.
The congestion is often caused by constricting clothing. Sometimes it occurs under the finger that squeezes the breast to keep the baby's nose free while drinking. If you find a white blister on the nipple, it is likely that fat clots or solid particles in the milk are blocking the milk duct. This is not dangerous. This can be remedied. However, you should definitely treat it so that the blockage does not develop into an inflammation. If you know the cause, the problem will soon go away.
This is what you can do to prevent milk stasis:
First find the cause. Then you can start treatment.
Check your clothes. Is a strap, hanger or seam constricting? Then this might not be suitable clothing at the moment. It's best to choose something that doesn't restrict you and is easy to open for breastfeeding. With elaja for example, there are breastfeeding tops with an integrated inner breast and breastfeeding clip that make breastfeeding uncomplicated. These are shaped to support your breast and make breastfeeding easy. Thanks to the breathable fabric, the garments from elaja They are also perfect for exercise and are ideal for postnatal classes. Save an additional 10% on your purchase with our voucher code "NOTDIENSTHEBAMME10". elaja-shop.com.
Does your baby lie comfortably when drinking?
Is his little nose free without you having to push his chest in with a finger?
Are you sitting comfortably?
Can you let your shoulders drop loosely and are you warm enough when breastfeeding?
Do you have the necessary rest for breastfeeding?
This is important so that the milk flow reflex can function properly.
Find a cosy place to breastfeed where you can find the peace and quiet you need. If you want to breastfeed sitting down, position your baby so that you are both comfortable. You should be able to sit upright with your shoulders relaxed. Your baby should be able to grasp the nipple while lying comfortably. It must therefore be positioned high. A Nursing pillow* is a practical aid for this. It can be moulded so that it supports every breastfeeding position. It is also a practical positioning pillow for your baby and a cosy headrest for family cuddles in bed.
Does the baby feed with strong suction at least every six hours?
Is the breast then deflated to such an extent that it feels significantly softer?
It is also possible that nipple injuries that are beginning to heal and have therefore formed a bark are responsible for the engorgement. These injuries heal most quickly if you give your baby a cosy drinking position and it can suck vigorously. Your baby will learn this best with a little calm and patience if it is not confused by a dummy or bottle. Because it needs a different technique for this.
As with milk let-down, you can quickly relieve milk stasis by applying warm compresses to the breast before breastfeeding and cold compresses afterwards, as well as massages. However, the massages should not cause any additional pain. Careful stroking is sufficient. If you have a fever, then rest. Any stress or exertion can lead to a real inflammation.
Curd wrap or supports with White cabbage leaves support the healing process. You can apply it to the breast as a cooling compress after breastfeeding.
THIS IS HOW A QUARK WRAP WORKS:
You need a large, thin cloth for this. A thin muslin nappy, for example, is suitable.
You need low-fat quark. The amount depends on the size of your breast. Try out whether a small cup (250g) makes a wrap that covers the whole breast. You may need a little more.
Place the cloth on a smooth surface and spread the quark on the cloth in a wide strip (approx. 10 cm) that is about as long as the circumference of your chest.
Then fold the cloth over this strip of curd.
You now have a side at the bottom that has only one layer of fabric, at the top you have folded the fabric over several times.
Wrap it around the chest. And place the side that only has one layer of fabric directly against your skin. The folded fabric on the upper side protects your clothing from moisture.
The curd compress remains on the chest for half an hour. You can also leave it on your chest for longer. It does no harm. However, it should not prevent you from sleeping or resting.
HOW TO MAKE A WHITE CABBAGE WRAP
You need fresh white cabbage for this. If possible, use organic quality.
Take a leaf, poke holes in the inside with a fork or roll over the leaf with a rolling pin. This should allow the juices in the leaf to flow out.
If the leaf is large, it is a good idea to cut a hole in it. This is because you should not cover the nipple with the leaf.
Now place the cabbage leaf on your chest so that the hard areas are covered. Leave it there for half an hour. You can also leave it on your chest for longer. But it should not disturb your rest.
