Maternal Care,
Inc., creators of
BustBuddies,
brings you this information to aid in the understanding and relief of breast
discomfort.
Click for details on &
help with Engorgement,
Mastitis, Plugged Ducts
and Weaning
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Description
Engorgement takes place when a woman's milk "comes in" after birth. An often
uncomfortable and painful feeling of fullness, which may be accompanied by a
feeling of heaviness, tenderness, and warmth, is caused by swelling of the
breast tissue as blood, lymphatic fluid, and milk collect in the ducts as
the process of milk production begins. When the breast fullness is not
relieved, fluid builds up and more swelling occurs. The breasts become
extremely tender and painful, and patients may run a low-grade fever and
become achy.
Treatment
To treat engorgement, cool BustBuddies (by placing them in the refrigerator
or freezer for 20-30 minutes) and place on the breast 20 minutes after
feedings to reduce swelling, warmth and pain associated with engorgement. BustBuddies should be applied for 15-20 minutes off and on for 1-2 hours.
The use of heat immediately before nursing is recommended to assist with the
milk let-down and further relieve engorgement. Used warm (by placing in the
microwave for up to 20 seconds or heating in hot or boiling water for 2-3
minutes), BustBuddies assist with milk let down immediately prior to
feedings and further treat engorgement. Severe engorgement that is not
treated promptly may take up to a week to resolve, and there is a greater
risk of developing an infection. |
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Description
Mastitis, or breast infection, means that the breast is inflamed. This
inflammation affects the tissue surrounding women's milk ducts causing
swelling, redness, tenderness and pain. Fever and body aches may also be
associated with mastitis. BustBuddies can be used for effective treatment of
mastitis. A breast infection not treated early enough can require anti-biotics
and can become a more serious breast abscess that requires surgical
draining.
Treatment
Apply BustBuddies warm and gently massage swollen area. Alternate using
BustBuddies warm and cool on breasts. Used cold, BustBuddies relieve pain.
Used warm, BustBuddies increase the circulation, which mobilizes
infection-fighters in the inflamed area. We also recommend that women do not
stop breastfeeding during this time as stopping the flow of milk can slow
recovery and worsen the condition. The best way to prevent mastitis is to
relieve engorgement promptly as milk that doesn't flow gets thicker and
clogs the ducts. Treating mastitis is much like treating engorgement only
more urgent. BustBuddies can help in preventing this condition if used as
directed during times of engorgement.
Mothers who are given antibiotics too late
in the course of mastitis are more likely to wean their babies from the
breast, to have a more severe infection, and to have the infection recur.
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Description
Plugged ducts occur when one or more of a woman’s milk ducts become blocked.
When this occurs, nursing women may feel a painful lump in their breast
beneath the areola. There may also be a wedge-shaped area of redness
extending from the lump back towards the wall of the chest. When one or more
ducts become plugged, milk is not able to flow out of the area behind the
blockage causing that area of the breast to stay full, even after the baby
has finished feeding. Keeping breast milk flowing freely helps to relieve a
plugged duct. If left untreated, a plugged duct may become infected,
resulting in mastitis, infection, or a breast abscess.
Treatment
Apply BustBuddies warm for 15 minutes before feeding or pumping to increase
circulation and help unplug the breast duct. |
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Description
As nursing women reduce the number of overall feedings, their breasts may
become engorged and feel full and uncomfortable. Weaning too rapidly can
lead to mastitis.
Treatment
Women should use BustBuddies cool (by placing them in the refrigerator or
freezer for 20-30 minutes) and place them on their breasts 20 minutes after
feedings to reduce swelling, warmth and pain associated with engorgement.
BustBuddies should be applied for 15-20 minutes off and on for 1-2 hours.
The use of heat immediately before nursing
is recommended to assist with the milk let-down and further relieve
engorgement. Used warm (by placing in the microwave for up to 20 seconds or
heating in hot or boiling water for 2-3 minutes), BustBuddies assist with
milk let down immediately prior to feedings and further treat engorgement. |
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(c)
Maternal Care, 2004
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