NURSING
MOTHERS, INC.
Plugged Ducts, Breast Infections
and Abscesses
Factsheet 15
PLUGGED DUCTS
When you get a plugged duct, one or more milk ducts have become blocked and the milk flow through them has stopped. This condition is called milk stasis. A small lump forms, which may be reddened and/or painful to the touch. A cake breast (milk secretions dried onto the nipple) may occur. A plugged duct that goes untreated will result in a breast infection.
Causes
Plugged ducts are most likely to occur one to three weeks after delivery. If you are a new mother, they are usually caused by a faulty let-down, which prevents the baby from adequately emptying the breast at each feeding.
If you are nursing an older baby, a plugged duct is often caused by "nursing indiscretions". You may have missed or skipped feedings, or be fatigued, under tension, or under emotional stress, all of which can interfere with your ability to let-down.
Certain physical conditions will also cause a plugged duct. A bra that is too tight will put pressure on the milk ducts, causing the flow to back up. The same thing can happen if you push up your bra to nurse, rather than using a bra specifically designed for nursing. If you always sleep on the same side or hold your baby in the same position you may encourage the milk to back up.
Treatment
·
Nurse more frequently and for longer periods to
ensure your breast is emptied during a feeding.
·
Offer the sore breast first. Your baby
will have a stronger suck to encourage let-down, and this is the breast your
baby will most likely be able to empty.
·
Apply heat to the sore area between nursings, and if possible, right before each nursing.
You may use a hot shower, bath, a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or hot wet
towels. Wet heat is preferred.
Letting breast soak in a very warm bowl of water is another effective
and soothing treatment: place bowl of water on a counter and lean over it,
fully immersing affected breast. Massage
breast gently downwards.
·
Hand express or pump after each feeding to be
sure to empty the breast.
·
Use gentle massage to encourage the lump to
travel down the duct toward the nipple.
·
Loosen your clothing. Go braless if possible.
Check for any physical condition that may be obstructing milk flow.
·
Vary the nursing positions you use. Some
sources recommend pointing the baby's chin toward the sore area when feeding.
· Wash off any dried milk with cotton and sterile water.
· Some women find that having their partner suck at the affected breast helps remove the plug.
Prevention
Good nursing management is the key to preventing plugged ducts at any time. A quiet, relaxed, supportive environment and establishing a nursing routine will help in conditioning your let-down reflex. You should avoid skipping or missing feedings unless you will be pumping. Some large breasted women have found that gentle stretching exercises and/or swimming promote good milk flow from all areas of their breasts.
BREAST INFECTIONS
A breast infection or mastitis is a bacterial infection within the breast. The breast will generally have a painfully engorged area that is hot and tender to the touch. You may run a fever and have a sick, achy feeling. Any "flu" in a nursing mother should be considered a breast infection until proven otherwise.
Causes
Any untreated plugged duct may result in a breast infection. Bacteria may also be introduced into the breast through a cracked nipple or through unclean handling of the breast. Occasionally, a staphylococcal infection will be carried from the baby to the nipple.
Treatment
1. Continue
to nurse! There is no danger of the baby becoming ill from
nursing at the infected breast. Studies have shown that continuing to
nurse during the course of an infection helps clear up the infection
sooner. Nurse frequently and for long periods to promote the removal of
milk. Offer the infected side first at each feeding.
2. Apply heat to the infected area between and, if
possible, before nursing.
3. Call you doctor immediately, especially if you are
feverish. Your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic.
4. Bed-rest is essential to your recovery. GO TO
BED! And take the baby with you.
5. See other treatments for plugged ducts.
Recurrence
If a breast infection recurs three or four times, the doctor may want to culture the milk, the nipple, and the baby's throat in order to isolate the bacteria and determine the proper antibiotic to use. Some mothers with recurring breast infections have found that taking an antibiotic for ten days instead of the usual five will have a better long term effect. If you have recurring breast infections, discuss these concerns with your doctor.
Prevention
Prompt identification and treatment of plugged ducts will prevent most breast infections. Being anemic, overtired, or highly stressed will lower your resistance to infection. Good overall nutrition, lots of rest, good hygiene and emotional good health will all help to prevent an infection form occurring.
ABSCESSES
An abscess is a localized complication of a general infection in which pus has accumulated in one spot. Breast abscesses are rare.
Abscesses are generally surgically drained or treated with antibiotics. When surgery is required, you may continue to nurse on the affected breast if the incision does not come in contact with your baby's mouth and if no drainage is occurring. Otherwise, you should gently pump the draining side and continue nursing on the unaffected side. You can resume nursing on the affected side when drainage stops. Breast abscesses are very traumatic to some mothers, especially when surgery is necessary. Healing is often a long, slow process.
For more information on plugged
ducts and breast infections, follow this link, Blocked
Ducts and Mastitis to Dr. Jack Newman’s website.
Copyright on the Internet 1999, NMInc.
Revised 1/03 Megan Allen
Nursing Mothers, Inc. is a
non-profit organization. We never charge for our
services, we would gladly accept your tax-deductible donations.
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