Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

BLOCKED DUCTS These are felt as pea-size lumps under the skin and in the fatty tissue of the breast and are sore to the touch.

Causes of blocked ducts: • Change in frequency or skipping pumpings • Overabundant milk supply • Heavy breasts, not well-supported • Ineffective milk removal • Mothers diet is high in saturated fats • A tight bra or underwire bra that puts too much pressure on a duct • Breast surgery

Treatment for blocked ducts: • Warm shower or warm cloth to affected area • Frequent pumping sessions • Hand express while pumping • Massage the sore area toward nipple while pumping

MASTITIS If the blocked duct persists and does not become relieved, it can become inflamed and a breast infection may be possible. It is not the breast milk that becomes infected, but the tissue surrounding the blockage. This needs immediate medical attention, so call your obstetrician if you have:

Symptoms of mastitis: • Red, very sore, hard area • Red streaking from the affected area or breast tissue may look pink over a large area • Fever and chills • Flu-like symptoms Treatment of mastitis: • Antibiotic therapy – finish the whole prescription even if you feel better. You should feel better within 1 to 2 days, if not contact your provider. • Pumping/nursing frequently • Applying warm cloths to the affected area • Massaging while pumping to promote breast drainage

• Getting plenty of rest • Drinking lots of fluids

It is important to keep feeding and/ or pumping with mastitis. The best thing to do is to continue removing milk from the breast.

Let your baby's doctor or nurse know if you are being treated for mastitis .

36 Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries