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Lactostasis is a condition that occurs mainly in breastfeeding women due to the retention of milk in the breast. To understand how the disease develops, it is first necessary to know exactly how the mammary gland is structured.

How is the mammary gland structured?

The mammary glands consist of an average of 15-20 milk-producing units.

These passages are connected to the nipple by the mammary ducts. If breast milk accumulates in a piece of milk for a certain period of time, and as a result this liquid is spilled, it will be difficult to separate it through the pacifier. If this condition persists for a long time, a lactating woman will develop lactostasis.

In addition, the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the breast - flat nipples, narrow passages, trauma to the chest, cracks, exposure to cold, uncomfortable, tight underwear can also cause lactostasis.

At first, the patient's chest becomes heavier. Then it swells and there is pain in this organ. Palpation of the breast may reveal a hardening of the mammary glands. In some cases, there is redness of the skin of the mammary gland and a rise in body temperature.

What causes lactostasis?

One of the main causes of the disease is improper breastfeeding or improper breastfeeding. In some cases, the flatness of the nipple is also a factor in the development of lactostasis. The flat nipple is difficult to suckle and does not suck enough milk.

When breastfeeding, not only the nipple but also the surrounding areola should be placed in the baby's mouth. Only then will the mammary glands completely empty.

What is lactostasis and how can it be overcome?

In addition, the nursing mother should breastfeed the baby regularly every 2-3 hours. In most cases, the development of lactostasis is caused by untimely breastfeeding. This is especially the case for student mothers or young women who are unable to quit their jobs for any reason. They need to find time to breastfeed because of study or work.

Another cause of lactostasis is cracking of the skin of the nipple. In this case, the nipple becomes hypersensitive. Because it has a lot of nerve fibers. That's why when a woman has a crack in her skin, she feels a lot of pain. A breastfeeding woman is afraid to breastfeed her baby. Then the artificial breastfeeding is prolonged, as a result of which milk accumulates in the breast, fluid remains in it and lactostasis develops. The baby should hold the breast correctly to prevent the nipple skin from rupturing.

Inflammation of the mammary glands is another cause of lactostasis. Inflammation causes the milk ducts to swell and squeeze the milk ducts. As a result, breast milk does not pass out and remains in the breast. In this case, mastitis can develop if you do not consult a mammalog immediately.

Symptoms and diagnosis of lactostasis

Lactostasis in women is characterized by hardening of the mammary glands, pain on palpation of the mammary glands, redness of the skin, an increase in body temperature to 38C, and a decrease in milk secretion.

After a medical examination, the mammologist examines the condition of the breast tissue with an ultrasound. He should be treated only if he is sure that there are no nodules or purulent sacs.

Treatment of lactostasis

The first condition for the treatment of lactostasis is breast augmentation. The use of hot compresses before breastfeeding, cold compresses between breastfeeds, physiotherapy, frequent breastfeeding every two hours are also recommended to eliminate lactostasis.

Useful tips for young mothers

As mentioned above, one of the main causes of lactostasis is improper breastfeeding or improper breastfeeding.

It is also known that the disease is more common among young, inexperienced mothers, and that many mothers do not know enough about how to breastfeed properly. Below we will talk about how to hold the baby correctly.

The child is held directly to the chest the child is focused on the mother with his whole body; the child's head and body are in rhythm; the child's mouth is wide open, the lower lips are turned outwards, and the chin is attached to the chest; the child has the nipple completely inserted into his mouth; The baby's throat must have heard a small amount of milk.

You can read useful tips on proper breastfeeding in this article: When to breastfeed?

What to do to prevent the disease?

To prevent lactostasis, breastfeeding at the same time, breastfeeding in the correct position, avoiding breast trauma and injuries, using special underwear for breastfeeding women, and avoiding stress and cold should be avoided.