Milk congestion

Definition

Milk congestion refers to a blockage of the milk ducts in the mammary glands. It can occur especially during the milk injection (two to four days after delivery) and in the first period of breastfeeding, but also afterwards during the entire breastfeeding period. Milk congestion can affect one or both breasts and can occur once or repeatedly at one or more points in the breast.

Causes

A milk congestion occurs when the breast is not completely consumed, too much milk is produced or the milk cannot flow properly. and Childhood problems when breastfeeding If the child does not drink enough or if his or her drinking habits change, for example due to a different sleeping pattern and the mother suddenly breast-feeds less often, a milk congestion can occur. and Breastfeeding behavior A “mechanical” flow disorder can occur when a thin skin in front of the milk outlet of a mammary gland blocks the milk flow.

This thin skin can be recognized by a white or yellow blister on the nipple. Even a bra that is too tight or uncomfortably fitted can cause the glandular tissue to become constricted and thus prevent the milk from draining off sufficiently. Psychological causes as well as sleep deprivation, stress and hectic pace of everyday life can lead to the mother not being able to breastfeed and the milk congesting in the breast. Furthermore, an uncomfortable breastfeeding position can cause difficulties for both the mother and the baby during breastfeeding and thus cause a milk congestion.

Diagnosis

There are various indications for the diagnosis of a milk congestion. The breast may be hardened in one or more places or the nursing mother may feel lumps in the breast. Touch sensitivity and pain are also typical in the case of milk congestion.

The pain is often increased when the baby is breastfeeding and sucking on the breast. Furthermore, the skin of the breast above the hardenings may be reddened. Milk congestion can occur on one side or both sides and can affect several regions of the breast at the same time. In general, if there are signs of milk congestion, the midwife should be asked for advice or a doctor should be consulted. In particular, if there is a general feeling of illness and fever, the woman concerned should be given medical attention, as there is a suspicion of inflammation of the breast.