Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a new mother but it can also be a huge challenge. Many women find themselves dealing with lactostasis, a condition that develops when breast milk stagnates in the breast ducts. As lactostasis leads to inflammation, it can turn into mastitis pretty quickly. Between 10 and 33 percent of breastfeeding women worldwide face this problem [1].
Why are lactostasis and mastitis dangerous?
Sore, swollen breasts can be quite painful, causing many women to stop nursing or pumping, which only aggravates the situation. Stagnant milk can be a breeding ground for bacteria, turning inflammatory mastitis into infectious mastitis. If the condition is not treated, an abscess can develop creating a complicated situation that can end in surgery [2]. Mastitis should be reported to your doctor and promptly taken care of.
How is mastitis treated?
Lactostasis is treated simply by feeding the baby regularly and expressing milk manually if necessary. The more the baby nurses, the faster the condition will improve. Non-infectious mastitis may require additional pumping or expressing additional milk by hand after breastfeeding until the breast is relieved, but not to the point that you keep overproducing milk. Usually, the problem is solved in one to two days. Treatment for infectious mastitis involves both pumping and antibiotics.
What causes lactostasis?
One of the main causes of lactostasis is incomplete emptying of the breast when nursing. The risk of lactostasis is higher if you wear tight clothes (bra) and have a habit of sleeping on your stomach. An overabundance of liquids in the diet (tea, soup, etc.) can also lead to lactostasis.
Additionally, several studies have shown that delaying breastfeeding is another significant cause. Women who put their baby to the breast immediately after giving birth develop lactostasis less often than those who start nursing a few hours or days later.
Lactostasis usually develops in the first two weeks after childbirth, when milk production is activated. Up to 95 percent of all cases of mastitis occur in the first 12 weeks, during the period when feedings tend to be irregular [1].
What can be done to prevent lactostasis?
Ensuring the baby latches on properly (avoiding pressing on the breast, pulling on the nipple, or constraining the milk flow in any way). You may need the help of a breastfeeding consultant.
Feeding without restrictions. Let the baby nurse for as long and as often as they want.
Feeding from one breast at a time. It’s best not to offer the second breast until the baby has emptied the first.
Breastfeed exclusively for at least four to six months, if possible.
What increases the likelihood of lactostasis?
Mixing breast and bottle feedings can lead to overly full breasts.
Skipping breastfeeding sessions. Most often this happens when mothers return to work, or when the baby begins to sleep through the night.
Excess salt in the mom's diet. Some studies show that too much salt can lead to milk clots or duct blockage [1].
How do I know if I have lactostasis or if it develops into mastitis?
Lactostasis involves local compaction and soreness of the breast. Mastitis involves inflammation and redness of the breast and may be accompanied by a fever. If your breasts are sore, tender, or red, and especially if you develop a fever, call your doctor to find out if you have a case of infectious mastitis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Can I continue nursing if I develop a fever?
Yes, in fact, it’s considered part of the treatment for mastitis.
This article was created in association with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
