Know the Causes of Blocked Breast Milk Channels, Complete with Symptoms and How to Overcome Them

Illustration of a breastfeeding mother (photo: Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Blocked milk ducts are one of the most common health problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. This condition can cause pain and swelling in the breasts. If left to fester, blockage in the milk ducts can develop into mastitis or infection. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of blocked milk ducts so that they can be prevented and treated early.

Know What Is Breast Milk Blocked Channel

Collected from various sources, clogged milk ducts occur when the flow of breast milk in one of the breast ducts is blocked, causing a buildup of breast milk. As a result, a hard lump that is painful, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding, appears.

This condition usually arises because the breasts are not emptied properly or the frequency of breastfeeding is inconsistent.

Symptoms of Blocked Milk Channels

Blockages in the milk ducts will generally cause the following symptoms:

A hard lump appears and feels painful in one part of the breast. The breast area feels hot, red, and swollen. The flow of breast milk is reduced on the side that is blocked. It feels uncomfortable when breastfeeding. It is not accompanied by fever (if fever appears, it is likely to be mastitis). Causes of Blocked Milk Channels

The following are the most common causes of clogged milk ducts:

Breast Not Emptyed to the Maximum

This is the number one cause of clogged milk ducts. Too short breastfeeding sessions or improper baby sucking techniques cause milk to be left in the ducts, then it clots and clogs.

Irregular Breastfeeding Frequency

Missing the breastfeeding schedule or delaying pumping for too long increases the pressure in the breasts. Milk that is not regularly released will clot and be one of the common causes of clogged milk ducts.

Position of Less Optimal Breastfeeding

The same breastfeeding position constantly causes some areas of the breast to not be stimulated properly. This makes the milk ducts in that area prone to clogging.

Bra and Clothing that is Too Tight

Pressure from a narrow nursing bra or tight clothing can hinder the flow of breast milk. The habit of sleeping on your side for a long time is also a cause of clogged milk ducts that is often overlooked.

Stress and Fatigue

Stress, anxiety, or extreme fatigue can interfere with the let-down reflex (milk discharge). As a result, the flow of milk slows down and is easily clogged.

Overproduction of Breast Milk (Oversupply)

Mothers with excessive breast milk production are more prone to blockage because the breast milk channel is quickly full, especially if the baby can't empty the breast to the maximum.

Trauma or Injury to the Breast

Cuts, bumps, or small wounds on the breast can cause inflammation that hinders the flow of breast milk and causes the breast milk ducts to be blocked.

Poor Baby Bonding

If the baby does not attach properly, the suction becomes ineffective so that much of the breast milk is left in the channel.

Tips to Prevent Breast Milk from Clogging

In order to avoid the causes of clogged milk ducts, take the following preventive measures:

Breastfeed as often as possible (at least 8-12 times in 24 hours) Make sure the baby's attachment is correct and deep Vary the position of breastfeeding each session Use a comfortable and non-tight breastfeeding bra Do not delay breastfeeding or pumping Drink enough water and eat nutritious food Warm compress the breasts before breastfeeding to facilitate the flow of breast milk

That's the information about the causes of clogged milk ducts. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.