MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Common CONCERNS Keeping your breasts healthy while

you’re breastfeeding starts with learning the signs and symptoms of potential breast issues.

DUCTAL NARROWING Formerly called a plugged or blocked duct, ductal narrowing describes inflammation and constriction in and around the tubes (ducts) in your breast that carry milk from where it’s made to the nipple. Narrowing may happen when sacs of milk (alveoli) are overly full and/or there is an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the mammary glands.

Signs & Symptoms

• Ducts become inflamed, swollen, narrow, and tender • Lump in breast that is painful when touched • May appear red, warm, and visible in a mirror • Area looks like breast engorgement

ENGORGEMENT Milk supply significantly increases around 2 to 5 days after giving birth, often causing breasts to enlarge and feel heavy or warm. In addition to holding more milk, breast “engorgement” can happen due to increased blood flow to the breasts and swelling in the surrounding tissue. It usually resolves in 1 to 2 days.

Causes • Baby not latching well, not draining breast • Breast not drained frequently enough: Missed feedings or pumping sessions

Waiting too long to feed or pump Limiting baby’s time at the breast

Signs & Symptoms

• Unresolved engorgement • Improper/deep breast massage • Breast producing too much milk (hyperlactation) • Anatomical variation of the nipples or breast Treatment If ductal narrowing and inflammation persists or worsens, it can lead to a more serious breast condition called mastitis . To prevent mastitis, learn the signs and symptoms of ductal narrowing and quickly treat your symptoms at home. Tell your health care provider if the lump doesn’t go down in a few days. Symptoms may often be resolved at home within 24 to 48 hours by: • Continuing to feed your baby on demand without delay • Expressing milk by hand or pumping regularly when you’re away • Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area • Taking ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAID) for pain relief

• Swollen, uncomfortable breasts • Throbbing sensation, discomfort during milk flow

What to do • Breastfeed frequently and don’t skip feedings • Let your baby feed for as long as they want • Make sure your baby is latched properly

• Express milk regularly if your baby’s not feeding well • Apply cold compresses for 15 to 20 minutes after feedings • Don’t wear a tight bra—it may decrease milk supply • Avoid early use of pacifiers, bottles, and formula When a breast is too full and the areola is hard, it may be difficult for your baby to latch on. Try hand expressing some milk to soften the nipple area before feeding your baby.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care