Difference between engorgement and blocked milk ducts

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Khac Hieu - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Ejaculation and blocked milk ducts cause similar symptoms, making it difficult for many people to distinguish and confuse the two. Leads to improper handling and makes the condition worse and dangerous for the mother.

1. Physiological erection

Physiological lactation is a common phenomenon in postpartum mothers, appearing from 2-7 days after birth. The mother feels pain, heat in the whole chest. Breasts are erect and produce very little milk if pumping. In addition, there are lymph nodes in the armpit. The secretion of milk from the breasts by two main hormones, oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin is the hormone that contracts the milk glands, and prolactin is the hormone that makes milk. When a baby is born, prolactin is most secreted to help milk flow into the milk follicles. However, the amount of oxytocin secreted is not enough to contract the milk glands, leading to the milk in the follicles not being released, and causing the mother's breasts to be tight and uncomfortable.

2. Blocked milk ducts

A blocked milk duct is when a mother's body produces more milk than the baby needs. There are many reasons leading to blocked milk ducts such as mother not expressing, sucking all the milk after feeding, starting breastfeeding late, babies poorly latching on to the breast.
In addition, it may be due to small milk ducts, or the mother eats a lot of animal fat, etc. Milk blockage usually does not occur immediately after birth, because at this time breast milk secretion is not much.
Blocked milk ducts lead to painful breasts, hard lumps, poor milk suction and abnormal milk flow. The mother may even have a mild fever.

3. The difference between engorgement and blocked milk ducts

Erectile dysfunction and blocked milk ducts, if not treated, can lead to breast abscess, which is dangerous for the mother.

4. Treatment of engorgement and blocked milk ducts

4.1 Physiological Erection Reduction

There are many ways to reduce physiological engorgement, for example:
Cold compress: Use a cool towel to apply cold compresses between feedings or pumping to reduce swelling and pain. Apply cold compresses to the chest for 5 minutes. Breastfeeding: To reduce lactation physiological, it is best to breastfeed regularly. Some mothers may feel pain, but the more milk, the more engorged. Therefore, feed your baby often and squeeze milk with your hands before breastfeeding. Use a breast pump: if the milk is too much but not secreted, you can use a breast pump to reduce engorgement. The breast pump has a funnel-shaped design made of petal-shaped silicone, which helps to massage, stimulate and maintain the milk glands to secrete evenly, gently and without pain.

4.2 How to deal with blocked milk ducts

To prevent blocked milk ducts, mothers should start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Make sure your baby latches on well and holds the baby in the correct position while feeding.
When the milk duct is blocked, mothers should breastfeed often and hold the baby in the correct position. Change positions, different feeding positions to ensure that the milk ducts are cleaned, reducing the pain of engorgement. If your baby is unable to suckle, express milk by hand or with a breast pump. Apply warm or take a warm bath before breastfeeding. Gently massage the breast area, stimulate the nipple to help the mother relax. If the breast is tight, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
In addition, to avoid post-partum engorgement, mothers should choose a bra specifically designed for breastfeeding women. Bras that are too tight will also put pressure on the breasts and cause more pain for the mother.
Erection and blocked milk ducts are two common conditions for breastfeeding women. Erectile dysfunction and blocked milk ducts, if not handled in time, or improperly handled, can lead to breast abscess and endanger the mother. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly distinguish physiological lactation and blocked milk ducts to take appropriate measures.
In addition, mothers can visit a medical facility for advice if the tension does not improve.
Treatment of blocked milk ducts after giving birth is not simple, depending on the case and the degree of blocked milk, the mother has improved results or not. However, when the situation is not positive after applying the above methods, mothers should look to the method of spinal manipulation to treat blocked milk ducts after giving birth without using drugs.
With the Spinal Impact Method, the treatment technician mainly uses the fingertip software to work on the patient's back spine to adjust and open the milk gland.
For inflammatory cases can have a mild effect on the part that inhibits the milk gland.
Spinal impact treatment to restore breast milk supply, blocked milk ducts, lack of milk, milk loss are one of 17 diseases that the Spine Impact Department at Vinmec Times City is recognized for effective examination and treatment.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at the Hospitals of the National Health System, please book an appointment on the website for the best service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.