Lactostasis

Lactostasis is a condition in the breastfeeding process in which milk production prevails over its outflow, which creates unpleasant symptoms for a woman and can provoke an infectious pathology.

During pregnancy, breast tissue is rearranged under the influence of hormones. In the areas responsible for milk production, a large number of special cells (lactocytes) and prolactin receptors (the hormone that ensures lactation) appear. After childbirth, the lactation system is activated.

The factors that provoke the development of lactostasis include:

• The milk ducts are too narrow, long or meandering, which the baby is not able to completely release from milk during feeding;

• violation of the activity of the milk ducts, their hypofunction, paresis or spasm;

• features of the nipple structure that prevent its full capture, or cracks, damage to the nipple;

• the absence of early application to the breast, as well as pumping in the first period after childbirth, if necessary;

• violations of breastfeeding techniques: incorrect position of the breast, incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast, irregular or prolonged intervals between feedings;

• wearing tight underwear, which causes mechanical compression of the milk ducts;

• hypothermia of the mammary glands, which may cause spasm of the milk ducts;

• adverse factors affecting maternal health and hormonal background: severe stress, overwork, hard physical work, dehydration, certain diseases.

• breast implants.

In the initial stages of lactostasis, a nursing mother may feel only minor discomfort, which persists after feeding. Other symptoms of lactostasis are gradually becoming noticeable and increasing:

Possible complications of lactostasis

The most serious complication of lactostasis is lactation or postpartum mastitis. In Western literature, this condition is regarded as a pathology, whereas a violation of the outflow of milk without a pronounced change in the condition of the mother is considered a variant of the norm. Lactation mastitis develops more often after 3-4 days of severe lactostasis as a result, or with irregular breastfeeding.

If lactostasis usually affects both breasts, then mastitis more often affects only one mammary gland. With mastitis, noticeable skin hyperemia develops. The affected breast turns intensely red and becomes hot to the touch. Feeding a baby or pumping is accompanied by pain, sometimes it even becomes impossible. Mastitis is characterized by a rise in temperature to 38 degrees and above. In addition, the general well-being of a nursing mother worsens.: She feels weak, bruised, has a headache, etc.

Mastitis is treated after consultation with a doctor who evaluates the need for antibiotic therapy. In severe cases, acute mastitis can lead to infection and provoke a purulent breast abscess, which will require surgical treatment.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of lactostasis is based on a patient's survey and clarification of her complaints. During the examination, the doctor pays attention to signs such as symmetrical or asymmetrical enlargement of the mammary glands, the presence of redness, and an increase in skin temperature. Next, palpation of the mammary glands is performed. This procedure allows you to detect soreness, and also to identify one or more small seals in the infiltration zones. In addition to the breast, the doctor also performs palpation of the lymph nodes. Their soreness and enlargement indicate an inflammatory process.

At the diagnostic stage, it is important for the doctor to differentiate between acute purulent lactation mastitis and other diseases. Ultrasound is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis in cases of severe lactostasis. This diagnostic procedure allows you to detect signs of tissue infiltration, milk stagnation, expansion or narrowing of the milk ducts.

Treatment of lactostasis

Therapy for lactostasis is aimed at normalizing the outflow of breast milk. With the participation of a breastfeeding consultant and a doctor, the necessary feeding and pumping regimen is being developed.

Methods of treatment and prevention of lactostasis:

In most cases, the normalization of breastfeeding techniques helps to reduce the manifestations of lactostasis and avoid complications. However, if conservative methods do not work, the doctor may recommend physical therapy using the ZIMMER-MED device. Ultrasound waves of a certain frequency relieve swelling and restore normal milk outflow in 1-2 procedures. In addition, if indicated, drug therapy is prescribed. Drug treatment may include drugs to reduce milk secretion or antibiotics to prevent infectious and purulent pathology.

Pathology usually does not pose a health hazard. With proper treatment, the unpleasant symptoms disappear in 3-5 days.

Preventive measures to prevent milk stagnation:

Highly qualified doctors at the EMC clinic conduct breastfeeding consultations and use the most modern methods of conservative and drug treatment that help improve the condition of the mother without reducing lactation and harm to health The kid. A specialist visit to the house is possible.