Managing Engorgement, Clogged Ducts, and Mastitis

When we are experiencing this subset of breast pain, in most cases the cause is actually from inflammation in your breast. This can be either in the breast tissue or inside the milk ducts resulting pain and decreased flow of milk. So when your feeling pain, what can you do?

-          First line of defense, cold packs 5-10 minutes every 1-2 hours (can do every 30 minutes if helpful)

-          Do not over pump or overstimulate, increased supply will often worsen the problem

-          Avoid any aggressive massage, vibrating devices, tooth brushes.

-          Can do gentle lymphatic touch or breast gymnastics to help move fluid out of the breast - https://www.mayabolman.com/videos/v/breastgymnastics

-          Some moms will do a 48 hour of pain medications: alternating ibuprofen (800mg) and acetaminophen (1000mg) every 4 hours. Please contact your provider before taking any medications.

-          Infant risk recommends all lactating mom’s be consuming 550mg of Choline. If not getting from diet, consider talking to your provider about adding this as a supplement. I prefer this over sunflower lecithin because it can cause inflammation and increase colic symptoms in some babies.

-          For chronic subacute mastitis or recurrent plugged ducts, there is some evidence that probiotics can improve mammary dysbiosis. Limosilactobacillus fermentum or L. salivarius.