Should I use cold or hot compress to block the milk?

During breastfeeding, many mothers encounter problems with milk blockage and breast lumps, which may also make the mothers' bodies uncomfortable. Some mothers may simply and directly use their hands to express the milk. This is a good method, but it may cause breast pain. So should I apply ice or heat to the hard lump in my milk blockage?

1. Let the baby suck, it is the most reasonable way to release milk. When it comes to drinking milk and straining, no one is better than a baby. It is important that the baby's latch is correct (covering the entire nipple) to ensure effective sucking.

2. Apply heat and ice. Before expressing milk, you can apply a hot and damp cotton towel to the breast for two or three minutes. The temperature should not feel hot to the skin. Remember to drain the milk after applying it, so that the baby can draw it out or squeeze it out. After milk is expressed, you can apply a clean towel, cabbage leaves or potato cubes on the breasts for about 20 minutes, but do not apply on the nipples to avoid leaving odor and affecting the baby's milk drinking. The actual effect of frozen leaves is better.

3. Take a shower, then lower your head and shake your chest. When taking a shower, put the shower head on your chest for more than ten minutes, then lower your head and shake your chest. Then bend your waist and squeeze your nipples. A lot of milk will spray out, which can also clear the blockage.

How to prevent milk swelling and milk blockage during lactation

1. Release milk as soon as possible. It is important to release the milk as soon as possible after giving birth, and try to let the baby suck within 2-3 hours after giving birth. When the nipple is stimulated, prolactin will be produced, milk will be secreted, and the mammary glands will be unobstructed. Reduce the risk of milk engorgement and milk blockage.

2. Let your baby suck frequently. Sucking is the best way to reduce milk blockage and milk swelling. The baby's sucking is equivalent to massaging the breasts, which is beneficial to the unblocking of the milk ducts. At the same time, sucking can also stimulate the production of new milk. The key is to maintain proper breastfeeding.

3. Actively squeeze out unnecessary milk. The cause of milk engorgement and milk blockage is usually excessive milk secretion, while the baby produces less milk each time after sucking. Unnecessary milk is stored in the mammary ducts, which will cause breast swelling and even form milk knots or lumps over time. Therefore, after feeding the baby every time, you need to use a manual breast pump or your hands to drain the excess milk. Even if the baby only sucks one breast, you still need to suck out the milk from the other breast.