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What is a plugged duct? A breast infection?.
If you don't empty your breasts when they are full, you could get a plugged duct.
It will get "stopped up" just like a plumbing pipe. When this
happens, you might notice a small tender spot or lump in the breast. It might happen
when the baby decides to sleep through the night, or if you get busy and don't nurse as
often. Sometimes a tight bra can be pressing on a milk duct. Stress and poor
nutrition can also cause plugged milk ducts. Do this for a plugged duct:
*Get plenty of rest and nurse OFTEN. Take the baby to bed with you.
*Apply warm moist heat to the affected breast or soak it in warm water, or take a hot
shower or bath.
*Massage the breast before nursing to help the milk flow.
*Change positions each time you nurse so all ducts will be emptied.
If you have the same symptoms PLUS feel achy like you have the "flu" and a
fever, you probably have a BREAST INFECTION (MASTITIS). You get a breast infection
if you do not treat a plugged duct. If your breast does get infected, you should use
the same treatments as above and also call your health care provider. An antibiotic
will probably be prescribed for you. Remember to continue nursing frequently.
The milk from an infected breast will not harm the baby. Breast infections are
common during the holiday season because a lot of mothers get so busy they skip feedings.
(1)
When will my periods start?.
Most mothers who are nursing completely (no solids or formula) will not have
menstrual periods for several months. Some women even go much longer than that.
It depends on your hormones. Nursing while you are having a period will not
affect your milk and is not a reason to wean. However, your nipples and breasts
might be a little tender during this time. (1)
What is thrush?.
Thrush is a yeast infection in the baby's mouth. It looks like white
patches on his tongue, gums and inside his cheeks. It may also show up as a diaper
rash that peels or looks like red dots. It is often caused by antibiotics that have
been given to either the mother or the baby.
When a baby has thrush, it will usually spread to the mother's nipples and they will
become red and very sore. When you get sore nipples after several weeks or even
months of breastfeeding, thrush is probably the cause.
The treatment for thrush usually involves nystatin (Mycostatin) ointment or drops.
Both the baby's mouth and the mother's nipples have to be treated with it. (1)
More On thrush..
Some tips for thrush treatment:
1) Be sure to boil everyday for 10 minutes anything that goes in the baby's mouth (except
for your breast!).
2) Be sure to use the nystatin for a full ten days on both baby and you. It is best if you
apply the ointment to your nipples lightly but frequently, after every nursing.
3) Also, you should apply the nystatin lotion to baby's mouth with a Q tip and rub it all
around. It works topically, not through the stomach so swallowing doesn't help!
One lactation consultant suggests this method of applying the nystatin to baby: In the
morning, pour out the total amount of nystatin for the day into a clean paper cup. Put the
nystatin in baby's mouth after every nursing but use a clean Q tip every time you dip into
the medicine. That way you are applying the medicine more often without using too much
over the course of the day. It will kill the yeast more effectively that way.
Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC
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