A milk stasis can affect any breastfeeding mom – and become very unpleasant. But don't worry: We explain how you can recognize the first signs early on, how to resolve an acute milk stasis, and thus prevent mastitis.
What is a milk stasis exactly?
Many moms experience a milk stasis during their breastfeeding period – especially between the first and fourth month of their baby's life. This unpleasant phenomenon occurs when breast milk cannot flow out sufficiently during breastfeeding. For example, because the baby does not drink as much yet and gets full quickly, or because unexpectedly long breastfeeding breaks occur. Other breastfeeding problems, incorrect latching, emotional stress, and the unusual strain of everyday life with a baby often contribute to the let-down reflex being inhibited and the breast being insufficiently emptied. A milk duct is then blocked and milk builds up in one area of the breast. The result: swelling and pressure sensitivity. The area is warm and can turn red. Sometimes lumps can also be felt that are sensitive to pain.
Typical signs of a milk stasis at a glance:
- Lumps or hardening in the breast that you can feel
- Pain and pressure sensitivity
- Warmed areas as well as redness
- Slight malaise
- Possibly elevated temperature (up to 38.5 degrees)
Milk stasis vs. mastitis: What is the difference?
If you notice signs of a milk stasis, it is important to react in time. If the milk stasis is not resolved, it can develop into a bacterial breast inflammation – a so-called mastitis. In addition to the symptoms mentioned, flu-like pain occurs all over the body, as well as high fever, headache, severe malaise, and even chills. The transition between a milk stasis and mastitis is fluid. If the milk stasis does not resolve after 48 hours with our tips, i.e., no improvement occurs, you should consult your doctor. This is because mastitis usually has to be treated with medication.
Milk stasis – what to do? How you can resolve the milk stasis
Breastfeeding and frequent latching
The first and most important rule for milk stasis: Definitely keep breastfeeding! Even at the first signs of a milk stasis, we recommend that you latch your baby – often and at the shortest possible intervals. Avoid longer breastfeeding breaks. Ideally, you should not wait longer than 1.5 hours. This way you empty your breast effectively and the milk stasis can resolve itself.
Finding the right breastfeeding position can be a challenge. Make sure that your baby's chin is pointed towards the congested area on the breast – so that this area is primarily emptied. Try different breastfeeding positions. Maybe uphill breastfeeding is just the right thing now. Or the all-fours position. Use gravity to your advantage. But the most important thing is: your baby should be able to suck effectively. In addition, you can massage the affected area with light circular movements towards the nipple during breastfeeding to further increase the milk flow.
Expressing the breast
If you feel that your breast is not emptied after breastfeeding, perhaps because your baby is tired or full, you can also additionally express your breast. To do this, hold your breast in the so-called C-grip and slowly express it. Your midwife or breastfeeding consultant can help you with this.
Pumping
A manual pump also provides quick relief. The advantage over expressing: The milk can be caught and is not lost. Important: You should only pump for a few minutes at first until the milk flows and pause for a few minutes afterwards. Then repeat this step three to four times and only pump until the congested area feels softer and you feel relief. Otherwise, you will stimulate the milk flow even further and the milk stasis can intensify.
Give yourself rest
Also give yourself sufficient rest and consciously take yourself out of everyday life. Try to get enough sleep and ideally cuddle up with your baby. Your only focus should be breastfeeding. A milk stasis can be physically exhausting. Also drink enough and do not wear clothes that are too tight, so as not to constrict the breast area.
Warmth before breastfeeding
Especially before breastfeeding (or pumping), warmth helps to resolve the milk stasis. You can either take a warm shower or a long bath or warm the area locally with a warm washcloth. There are also special thermal pads that you can heat in the microwave and that fit comfortably in your nursing bra. Then, directly after warming, latch your baby or use the manual pump.
Cooling after breastfeeding
Cold after breastfeeding calms, has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, reduces swelling, and ensures that your body does not immediately produce new breast milk again. That's why it helps to cool the breast with a cooling pad after latching, pumping, or expressing. Alternatively, you can also place white cabbage leaves from the refrigerator on the affected area. Quark compresses are also an effective home remedy for milk stasis.
A little excursion to the quark compress: How it works
Take a thin cloth for each breast (for example, a clean tea towel, paper towel, or a cloth diaper). Wrap the first cloth around the breast, spread it with well-chilled quark from the refrigerator, cover the quark with the second cloth. Now press everything lightly against the skin. Then it's time to: Rest. Let everything work for about 20 minutes before you remove the compress.
Milk stasis: When should you see a doctor?
If you do not feel any relief within 48 hours despite warmth, breastfeeding, pumping, or expressing and you still do not feel better, please seek medical advice. Especially if your malaise intensifies and you get a fever. In the case of mastitis, i.e., bacterial breast inflammation, you are usually given antibiotics under medical supervision. In short: After two days – off to the doctor! We wish you a speedy recovery.
