What should I do if I have breast engorgement and lumps during postpartum confinement?

Written by Zhao Su Min
Obstetrics
Updated on November 16, 2024
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Postpartum breast engorgement and pain with lumps may indicate milk stasis within the breast. It is recommended to let the child suckle more. If the engorgement and pain persist due to a significant amount of residual milk, you can manually express the milk or use an electric breast pump to remove it to prevent the accumulation of milk, which can lead to mastitis. If the pain is severe and accompanied by fever, it is advised to stop breastfeeding from that side and seek medical attention promptly. If necessary, oral anti-inflammatory medication may be administered. During the postpartum period, care should be taken to avoid putting pressure on the breasts.

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Is it useful to apply potato slices for breast pain?

Applying potato slices to breast swelling and pain is ineffective, as such discomfort often relates to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is commonly believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances leading to increased estrogen levels. Therefore, for the swelling and pain caused by hyperplasia, we generally use traditional Chinese medicine treatments. By employing methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, aligning the Chong and Ren meridians, pain relief can be achieved. Endocrine treatments are also available but generally avoided unless the pain is particularly severe before menopause, in which case they can be taken before the onset of menstruation. Vitamin therapy is another option. Vitamins B, C, and E are known to improve liver function, regulate basal metabolic rate, and enhance autonomic nervous functions, serving as supplementary treatments for the condition. In recent years, vitamin E has also been recognized for its pain-relief properties. Proper diagnosis of breast swelling and pain also necessitates the use of color ultrasonography and mammography.

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What department should I go to for postpartum breast pain?

Postpartum breast pain usually indicates acute mastitis, and one can go to the general surgery department of a hospital for treatment. Postpartum mastitis often occurs because the breast ducts are blocked by breast milk that isn't properly expelled, which can also cause breast lumps. In such cases, it is crucial to express the breast milk to facilitate the clearing of the breast ducts. The changes in a woman's breasts after childbirth are very noticeable. The breasts enlarge and produce milk. If there is difficulty in expelling milk, this can lead to breast pain and even the formation of lumps, necessitating a visit to the surgical department of the hospital for examination and treatment.

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What should I do if I have breast pain and feel cold?

Breast swelling, pain, and coldness are considered to be related to breast hyperplasia, which is often thought to be associated with endocrine disorder causing increased estrogen levels. Local hot compresses, traditional Chinese medicine treatments, and methods to soothe the liver and regulate the Qi to harmonize the Chong and Ren meridians can alleviate pain. Endocrine treatments are also an option, but they could increase the risk of endometrial cancer, thus they are best avoided if possible. However, for prominent pain during the premenopausal phase, it is advisable to take medication before the onset of menstruation. Micronutrient treatments, including vitamins B, C, and E, can be used. These vitamins help improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous system function, serving as adjunctive medications for this condition. Vitamin E also helps in alleviating pain.

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Can you massage if there is breast pain before menstruation?

Many women experience breast tenderness before their menstrual period, which can be attributed to various factors. This may include changes in hormonal levels and emotional impacts leading to discomfort. At this time, is it possible to perform massages? If the breast tenderness before menstruation is mild and occasional, it can be alleviated through massage by addressing some clinical symptoms. Since the liver meridian primarily passes through the ribs near the breasts, massaging certain acupoints on the liver and gallbladder meridians can help soothe the liver and relieve depression, thereby easing breast pain. For example, massaging the Qimen and Dabao acupoints, and then the Danzhong acupoint can regulate the liver, facilitate the flow of qi, and relieve pain. However, if there is frequent and stabbing pain in the breasts before menstruation, or if there are palpable lumps, it is not advisable to use massage to address this tenderness. In such cases, it is crucial to consult a doctor at a hospital to check for any other pathological changes. If there are other conditions, timely treatment is necessary.

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Can frequent breast pain be treated by patting?

Breast pain and swelling often occur, and slapping them is ineffective because the pain and swelling are related to fibrocystic breast change, which is often linked to hormonal imbalances causing increased levels of estrogen. Therefore, for symptoms that are quite severe, we can use traditional Chinese medicine, which alleviates pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate qi, as well as harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatments are also an option, preferably avoided, but can be used before menstruation in cases of severe pain during the pre-menopausal period. Vitamin therapy can also be used; vitamins B, C, and E help improve liver function, regulate metabolic processes related to sex hormones, and enhance autonomic function, serving as adjunct therapies for this condition. Vitamin E also helps alleviate pain. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)