Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Blocked Duct
Blocked ducts occur when the milk is not removed from part of a breast. Sometimes this
is because the duct to that part of the breast is blocked by thickened milk. The symptoms
are a tender lump and often localized redness of the skin over the lump. The woman has
no fever and feels well. Contributing causes include: infrequent or short breastfeeds
(mother very busy, baby sleeping at night, changed routine, mother stressed), poor
drainage of part or all of the breast (ineffective sucking, pressure from tight clothes,
pressure from fingers during feeds, large breast draining poorly), damaged breast tissue
(trauma to the breast).
Recommendations:
The most important thing is to improve drainage from the affected part of the breast.
Advise:
• Frequent breastfeeds,
• Gentle massage of affected area towards the nipple,
• Warm compresses to the affected area.
It may help to vary the baby’s feeding position.
Breast Infection (Mastitis) and Abscess
Painful breasts and sore or cracked nipples can lead to an infection or abscess (pocket of
pus).
Signs
• Part of the breast becomes hot, red, swollen, and very painful
• Fever or chills
• Lymph nodes in the arm-pit are often sore and swollen
• A severe abscess sometimes bursts and drains pus.
Treatment
• Keep breastfeeding frequently, or milk the breast by hand, whichever is less
painful.
• Rest and drink lots of liquids.
• Use hot compresses on the sore breast for 15 minutes before each feeding. Use
cold compresses on the sore breast between feedings to reduce pain.
• Go to the doctor for treatment.
Prevention
Keep the nipples from cracking and don't let the breasts get overfull.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 9: Breastfeeding