Pump off
In order to support the flow of milk and complete emptying of the breast in the event of a milk congestion, the affected woman can also pump out the breast in addition to breastfeeding. There are various possibilities for this. On the one hand, there are hand pumps, with the help of which the woman can manually pump the milk out on one or both sides, and on the other hand, there are electric pumps.
Breast pumps can often be borrowed from pharmacies, for example. The freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Various guidelines should be followed for storing and thawing breast milk.
Strike out
In case of milk congestion or if the breast feels very bulging, the mother can stroke out the breast before breastfeeding. This is particularly successful if the breast has been treated with heat beforehand, for example during or after a hot shower, with a cherry pit cushion or warm compresses. The hands should be washed first before stroking the breast.
Then the breast should be massaged with the fingertips by circular movements from the outside to the inside and then with the palm of the hand towards the nipple. Then the breast can be spread out by applying gentle pressure above and below the nipple. However, the breast should not be squeezed and it should not be felt as unpleasant or painful. When the pressure decreases a little, breastfeeding can be done normally.
How can milk congestion be prevented?
There are several ways to prevent milk congestion. In general, both mother and baby should be relaxed during breastfeeding and be able to withdraw somewhat. Regularly changing the breastfeeding position can also prevent milk congestion.
In addition, the nursing mother should wear a comfortable, well-fitting bra without underwire. In order to empty the breast regularly, the woman should put the baby on frequently for breastfeeding. In doing so, the woman should always start with the breast that is affected by milk congestion. If there is no milk congestion or if both breasts are congested, the mother should first put the baby on the breast where the previous breastfeeding ended. Furthermore, stroking or pumping the breast can prevent milk congestion.
