Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: On the second day after giving birth, I experienced breast engorgement and pain, with three or four large, hard lumps appearing in both armpits. These lumps subsided after a few days, and then milk started to come in. Is this normal? Is it gynecomastia? If I cannot breastfeed after giving birth due to work, when should I take weaning medication, and which one is best? Looking forward to your reply, thank you!First follow-up question: If I take weaning medication right after giving birth, will my breasts no longer experience engorgement and pain?
Doctor's answer:
Mothers often experience fullness, hardness, and pain in both breasts 3 to 7 days after childbirth. This is mainly due to lymphatic retention in the breast, engorged veins, interstitial edema, and blocked breast ducts. You can apply a warm towel or have your husband help by forcefully sucking to unblock the nipple openings. If the treatment is not effective, it is recommended to use the massage and manual expression method.First, apply a small amount of lubricant to the skin of the affected breast. Hold the affected breast with your left hand, then use your right hand (index to pinky fingers) to apply a combination of pushing, rubbing, and pressing techniques to disperse the hardness and lumps in the breast. Next, use the palm of your right hand to gently massage and squeeze along the direction of the lactiferous ducts from the breast root to the areola, dislodging the stagnant milk. Finally, use your right index and middle fingers to hold the areola and nipple of the affected side, gently pulling outward to expel the stagnant milk. Repeat these steps until the stagnant milk is fully expressed and the breasts feel soft.
If possible, you can visit the physical therapy department of a hospital for 10 to 20 minutes of infrared lamp treatment to fully dilate the lactiferous ducts, which will enhance the effectiveness of manual treatment.