When breast pain doesn’t go away it can leave a mother to feel defeated and distraught. Especially for those that felt breastfeeding was going well and her achy breast was not much of anything to worry about. Clearly, having a plan to resolve the issues quickly can bring peace back to the symbiotic relationship.
Breastfeeding is an intricate exchange between a mother and her child. The mother relies on her offspring to take the milk from the breast while the child expects to find a quality bounty while suckling. Now and again the communication between the breast and infant goes awry for one reason or another and a “back-up” in the breast occurs. A firmness that makes the mom feel full and uncomfortable can become rather troublesome.
Despite all the tips and tricks, she does to alleviate engorgement, the breast pain doesn’t go away. This situation is oftentimes a surprise to a mother that wakes up one morning in breast agony, unsure how she ended up here. Or possibly the mom who missed a feeding or two and has been behind since. Whatever her scenario, the quicker she gets it under control, the less damage will be done.
Usually, the first sign of trouble is a sore lump in the breast, called a plugged duct. If mom can spend a few days being more mindful of emptying the breast well, with heat & massage, she’ll nip it in the bud. If the breast pain doesn’t go away, seeking help is her next step. She also needs to focus on how she got to this point to avoid recurrent issues.
Mastitis
If this “sore lump” doesn’t go away, or she isn’t able to empty the breast efficiently enough, this may move on to the next stage called mastitis. She may find herself with some or all of these symptoms:
- a very achy breast pain that won’t go away
- sore to the touch
- red & inflamed
- flu-like symptoms
- fever 101 or more
- chills
- exhaustion
- body aches
She should call her obstetrician and lactation consultant to help her navigate this slippery slope. If the mother recognizes these signs early and reacts swiftly, she may be able to avoid antibiotics. Although it is still essential to have a caregiver or two to work with during this time. Using the suggestions for engorgement relief, along with these tips, can assist in a speedy recovery:
Tips to Heal Mastitis Breast Pain
- Mom should take her baby and go to bed immediately.
- Treat herself as though she has the flu (no other chores).
- Feed baby often and effectively on both sides, starting with the affected breast first. If latch is not great, get help ASAP.
- Use breast compressions to be more effective at emptying the breast.
- Along with warm compresses and massage, put breasts in the bowl of warm water a few times per day (you can use Epsom salt in water).
- Dangle breasts over baby while feeding.
- Take hot showers.
- Stay braless if you are in bed. Reduce any constrictive clothing or positioning (don’t lay on belly).
- Stay hydrated.
- When prescribed, it’s crucial to finish the medication.
- Pump to drain breasts after feedings, using hand massage as well.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications as needed.
- Put cold compresses on the affected breast between feeds.
This mother needs to keep her guard up even when she feels better. She is more susceptible to recurring plugged ducts or mastitis. Mom should not skip feedings or pumpings. Be sure the pump fits appropriately, and it is working effectively. Get help, if this happens again.
Most important, DO NOT try to wean at this time. The process of drying your milk up could take days, weeks, months, or years in some cases. If she tries to do it too quickly, a larger infection can settle in and cause more problems. She needs to work with a healthcare provider and lactation consultant to find the best course of action for her situation.
When Infection Goes Deeper than Breast Pain
If a mom does not take mastitis seriously, a deeper infection may form-called a breast abscess (a localized area of pus). This is very serious and should not be taken lightly. She should talk to her HCP if she is not feeling any improvement with mastitis treatment after three days. The doctor may order an ultrasound of the breast to be sure she does not have an abscess. If the test confirms it, the mother will need to have it drained. This process can be done with surgery or fine-needle aspiration. Either way, she will need to keep emptying the breast during this time to avoid other problems. Working with a lactation consultant in conjunction with her physician can expedite the healing process.
Keep in mind that the milk volume and taste (it’s saltier) will change during these conditions. Some babies outright refuse to feed on the affected side, and the mother will have to use a quality breast pump to keep emptying appropriately. She shouldn’t take it personally if she pushes past these issues breastfeeding can go back to normal in time. She needs to be patient and vigilant about treatment as well as working with professionals to avoid future complications.
Here is the recap on the breast pain timeline:
- Manageable engorgement-breast pain eases with feeding or pumping.
- Challenging engorgement-breast pain that won’t go away regardless of efforts.
- Manageable plugged duct-lump in the breast that eases with feeding or pumping. Takes a few days.
- Challenging plugged duct-a lump that is not changing despite efforts even after a week.
- Manageable mastitis-red swollen, inflamed breast with mild flu-like symptoms, that improve with OTC or Keflex treatment.
- Challenging mastitis- red swollen, inflamed breast with flu-like symptoms, that despite antibiotic is not improving.
- Breast abscess-never manageable on your own. Seek care from a physician expert in breast care.
Whatever the reason for her breast pain, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If she promptly reaches out to the right professionals and follows all the suggestions appropriately, this mother can have relief again.
Happy Parenting!
