What should I do if my breasts are swollen, painful, and not producing milk?

Written by Zhao Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on September 18, 2024

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Breast engorgement and blocked milk flow can be attributed to the accumulation of milk. The simplest method to alleviate this is by clearing the milk ducts. You can either allow the baby to nurse more frequently or use a breast pump to assist. The most effective solution is to seek help from a lactation consultant or a professional medical practitioner to clear the ducts through milk expression. Both manual expression and nursing the baby are the best methods to relieve engorgement pain.

Other Voices

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

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Can pseudopregnancy cause breast pain?

During pseudopregnancy, women may also experience symptoms of breast tenderness. As women may experience delayed menstruation, along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating, it is necessary to consider the possibility of pregnancy. If it is a pseudopregnancy, then it is due to the rise in hormone levels around the time menstruation is due, coupled with psychological factors in women, which can also cause false breast tenderness. When patients experience this condition, there is no need for excessive worry. They should rest adequately, enhance their nutrition, eat a light diet, keep warm, avoid overexertion, stay away from cold, and not stay up late. They can go to the hospital for a blood test to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to determine whether they are pregnant.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

58sec

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How to treat mastitis and breast pain

For breast pain caused by mastitis during milk engorgement, we can use hot compresses and massage to fully expel the milk. Locally, a 25% magnesium sulfate poultice can be applied for 20 minutes, three times a day. After breastfeeding, cold compresses can be used to reduce the pain caused by milk engorgement. In cases of mastitis, it is important to keep the nipple clean, frequently washing with soap and warm water. Before and after breastfeeding, the nipples can also be washed with 3% boric acid solution. For inverted nipples, gently squeeze out the nipple before cleaning. However, it is not advisable to wipe with ethanol, as ethanol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle, leading to fissures. Develop good breastfeeding habits, feed at regular intervals, ensure the milk is fully drawn each time, and if not, manually express or use a breast pump to remove the milk.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 4sec

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Can Chinese medicine be used to treat breast pain before menstruation?

Breast pain before menstruation is an issue. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for a comprehensive examination to rule out organic changes related to female breast conditions such as mastitis, mammary ductal hyperplasia, and fibrocystic breast disease, among others. After excluding these conditions, it might be considered premenstrual syndrome. The final diagnosis and examination results from a doctor should be definitive. You could also opt for traditional Chinese medicine; take your medical results to a TCM department. Please have a Chinese medicine practitioner assess your pulse, constitution, tongue coating, medical reports, and specific symptoms, and prescribe appropriate Chinese herbal medicines for your treatment. However, be aware that dietary restrictions are necessary when taking Chinese medicine; avoid spicy food, greasy food, and alcohol. If you have further questions, please consult a doctor at the hospital.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 9sec

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Is breast tenderness a sign that menstruation is coming?

Normally, if breast pain occurs before each menstrual period, it is generally considered that menstruation is approaching. However, some patients may also experience breast pain in the early stages of pregnancy. This type of pain usually occurs when the menstrual period does not arrive as expected, and at this time, the breast pain might be due to pregnancy. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital for early pregnancy tests to obtain a clear diagnosis. If the test results indicate that pregnancy is not the cause of the breast pain, then it is likely that menstruation is approaching. Some patients may experience breast pain due to liver qi stagnation before their period, which is considered a pathological state and generally requires medication for symptomatic treatment. If pregnancy tests are negative and breast pain occurs, it is highly likely that menstruation is imminent.

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Written by Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

42sec

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How many days before menstruation does breast pain occur?

The duration of breast pain before menstruation varies depending on an individual's constitution. Typically, breast pain is a sign that menstruation is approaching, and the symptoms will gradually disappear after the onset of menstruation. If the symptoms are mild, there is no need for treatment. It is important to rest adequately and avoid overexertion. Applying a warm towel to the breasts can help alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is important to maintain a good mood and attitude during menstruation and when experiencing breast pain, and avoid becoming angry or anxious.