The Pain of Congested Breasts

When the breasts become congested with milk it can cause a good amount of pain. One way of avoiding this painful congestion is by starting to feed the baby as soon as he or she is born. Some other ways that have relieved women is by wearing a firm bra but not a tight one and to massage the breasts before feeding the baby. Massaging your breasts before breastfeeding will help the milk to come down and will relieve some of the congestion. You can also apply warm compresses over the breasts; some women prefer to use ice; either way, use whatever works best for you.

Blocked Conducts
There are occasions in which the milk conducts become blocked. If this happens, a small mass can form inside the breasts, which make it red and firm. This mass is usually painful but it is not generally associated with fever or severe pain. The most effective way of treating a blocked conduct is by emptying out the rest of the breast milk after you have finished breastfeeding your baby. Start by feeding the baby with that breast since this is the moment in which the baby is the hungriest. If the baby does not empty the breast out completely, you can use a manual breast pump to get the rest of the milk out. You can also apply heat to the spot and massages also help. Most importantly continue breast-feeding.

If the problem continues on for a few days, you will need to call the doctor about it to make sure you are not developing an abscess.