5 common problems while breastfeeding

During the breastfeeding period, women are easy to have troubles such as: engorgement, blocked milk ducts, cracked breasts... if not properly cared for and handled, especially for first-time mothers who are prone to mastitis. , breast abscess... To avoid the above troubles, the following article provides some information to help lactating women have more understanding about this issue.

Usually the nipple protrudes above the surface of the areola of the breast. During pregnancy, the nipples are larger and more prominent. If the nipple drops inward, the baby will not be able to suckle. Inverted nipples cause milk to accumulate in the breasts, causing blocked milk ducts, inflammation of the milk glands.
Solution to cure nipple drop: During pregnancy, pregnant women need to take care of their breasts carefully, clean the nipples with clean water every day. If you find that the nipple is retracted, you can gently pull the nipple out with your hand, this work should be done regularly and regularly. After giving birth, if you have inverted nipples, you can use a pump to pump out the milk. If the nipple is scratched or cracked, wet the nipple with fish oil, gac oil applied to the nipple. Do not wash your breasts with soap and do not apply alcohol.

A few days after giving birth, the mother feels hot, heavy, hard, tight breasts. Milk begins to be secreted, and at the same time, the lymph ducts in the mammary glands and blood vessels swell and press on the mammary glands, causing the milk ducts in the mammary glands to be blocked. is still secreted. This is a normal milk engorgement, when the mother feels the breast is erect, a little painful, she should feed the baby several times to pump out some milk, or use her hand to gently squeeze the milk out. Within 1-2 days after birth, the breast will adjust to the baby's needs and the tightness will be relieved. Milk engorgement, which means milk, can make it difficult for your baby to suckle because the breasts are hard and inflated, which will not be suitable for the size of the baby's mouth.
Solution: If the breast is tight and painful, you can use a breast pump or let an older, stronger baby suckle right from the start, the breast will soften.
Besides, you should also massage the breast area with your hands to let milk flow and soften this area before breastfeeding. You should use one hand to press the breast against the chest wall or use both hands to press together. Pressing and rolling at the same time will melt the frozen milk positions. On the other hand, just rubbing and warming the breast helps the milk to curdle gradually dissolve, the breast tightness will gradually improve and you can use it in combination with a breast pump to pump out the milk. In addition, the more mothers breastfeed, the less breast engorgement will be.

Blocked milk ducts are when milk cannot drain out. You may feel a hard lump on your chest, pain, and some red spots. If you have a fever and severe pain, see your doctor for further advice. The most important thing is not to prolong the time between feedings because milk needs to be released regularly. A tight bra can also be the cause of this phenomenon. In addition, if you are stressed, fatigue (especially for first-time mothers) also affects lactation.
Solution: When the milk duct is blocked, it is best to get enough rest (with the help of your family to take care of your baby) and try using a warm towel to gently massage around your breasts to stimulate milk flow. . The udder comb can be used from the top down to open the milk glands.
Things to note, mothers should choose the right position when breastfeeding and practice for the baby to latch on to the breast properly. Blocked milk ducts make mothers uncomfortable but will not affect the health of their babies because breast milk contains natural antibiotics.

Mastitis is a disease caused by bacteria in the chest with flu-like symptoms such as fever and chest pain. When the milk ducts are blocked for a long time, the milk stagnates causing mastitis, which can range from noninfectious to infectious. This phenomenon is quite common in the weeks postpartum (and at weaning) due to stretch marks, clogged milk or milk engorgement. However, if not detected and treated, mastitis will progress to a breast abscess within 48-72 hours.
Solution: First of all, to improve the circulation in the milk ducts, then find the cause of mastitis to solve, if after 24 hours the symptoms do not decrease, the infection must be treated with antibiotics, hot compresses. , pain relief, complete rest and, importantly, release of milk. You can use your hands to massage to soften the breasts and soothe the red bumps, which will help mothers feel more comfortable. If there is no improvement after 2-3 days, then you need to re-examine.

Breastfeeding is a process like supply - demand, ie the baby suckles, the mother's body will automatically secrete more milk.
Solution: Breastfeeding more often and massaging the breasts with your hands can increase breast milk production. Drinking less water and eating too many nutrients will not help increase milk supply, instead, mothers should drink lots of water and eat healthy in combination with milk-boosting foods.
To improve the lack of milk, mothers need to breastfeed soon after birth, feed the baby many times, suck properly to stimulate the milk secretion and ejection reflex. If the mother has to go to work early and cannot breastfeed, she should express milk regularly to stimulate milk production and maintain milk supply.

During breastfeeding, if a mother experiences acute conditions such as blocked milk ducts, mastitis, she needs to see a doctor to find the fastest and most suitable treatment, to avoid complications. adverse effects on the mother's health and affecting the child-rearing process.
Currently, at Vinmec International General Hospital, spinal manipulation method is applied to treat blocked milk ducts after giving birth without using drugs. With the Spinal Impact Method, the treatment technician mainly uses the fingertip software to work on the patient's back spine to adjust and open the milk glands, help clear the rays, and soften the breasts. Therefore, in urgent cases, pregnant women should go to the hospital for timely examination and treatment, to avoid unnecessary complications.