Hot or cold compress for breast lumps

Breast lumps mainly occur when the mother stops breastfeeding after childbirth. This is because the milk does not get discharged, causing lumps. In this case, it is best to use hot compresses to relieve the coagulation of the breast lumps. After the lumps are relieved, the milk can be discharged. Hot compress on breast lumps can relieve the lumps, relieve breast pain and promote blood circulation in the breasts.

What causes breast swelling after childbirth?

After delivery, prolactin increases, stimulating the breasts to produce milk, the mammary ducts and surrounding tissues swell, and the amount of blood flowing into the breasts also increases, but the secretion is still not smooth. If a new mother does not breastfeed early, the interval between breastfeeding is too long, or the milk secretion is too much, and the newborn baby eats little, the milk will easily remain in the mammary ducts and cannot be completely removed. In addition, if the milk duct outlet is blocked, the breasts will easily become swollen and painful.

Cold or hot compress for swollen breasts?

There are different opinions on whether to apply cold or hot compresses when the breasts are swollen. In fact, whether it is cold compress or hot compress, there are prerequisites.

Cold compress

It can reduce breast congestion and slow down milk secretion, thereby reducing pressure and pain at the lump. It is suitable for when breasts are swollen, there is too much milk, and the baby does not want to drink milk.

How to operate

Apply a wrung-out wet towel or cold water bag to your breasts for cold compresses, or put raw cabbage leaves in your bra for cold compresses, both of which can effectively relieve breast swelling.

Heat

It helps milk flow and improves breast circulation, but it is only suitable for use before breastfeeding or when milk lumps are severe and milk needs to be discharged from the breasts, otherwise it will aggravate breast swelling.

How to operate

Cover the swollen breasts with a hot towel and apply it for a few minutes, or you can use the shower head to rinse with warm water while massaging, and then breastfeed right after showering. This can loosen milk knots and effectively relieve breast pain.

There are 6 tips to relieve milk swelling

Eat less greasy food, and it is best to wait until one week after delivery and when the milk ducts are unblocked before consuming nutritious soups that promote lactation.

Do not use bottles or pacifiers on newborn babies to avoid nipple confusion. When your baby is not eating well, you can express the breast milk first and feed it to your baby with a spoon or cup.

Start breastfeeding early and feed frequently. Let the baby suck milk as soon as possible after delivery, and the new mother should breastfeed in time according to the baby's needs.

Before feeding, express a small amount of milk to soften the breasts, and let the baby hold most of the areola for effective sucking.

For new mothers with abundant milk, they can use their hands to squeeze out some of the excess milk after each feeding (not emptying the breasts) until the breasts no longer feel bloated.

If a new mother's body temperature exceeds 38.5℃ when her milk is swollen and there are tender lumps in her breasts, she should be alert to mastitis and seek medical attention promptly.