Blocked milk ducts can be painful, cause tender lumps in the breast and make you feel feverish. Don’t be tempted to discontinue breastfeeding as this may aggravate symptoms.
- Check to see that your bra is not too tight.
- Apply hot and cold compresses to the area between feeds to increase local circulation.
- Prepare a massage oil using a grapeseed base oil and include the following essential oils: one drop of lavender, one drop of geranium and one drop of rose oil (As a precaution AVOID all essential oils in first trimester).
- Gently massage the lump towards the nipple to clear the blockage.
- When breastfeeding, offer the affected breast to your baby first as the strong sucking action can help clear the blockage.
- Vitamin C, echinacea tincture and garlic will help circulation and prevent infection.
- Naturopaths believe that antiperspirants are detrimental to your body’s eliminative system. Many commercial antiperspirants contain toxic metals that block the lymphatic glands and prevent the natural sweating process. As a result, these sweat ducts become blocked and cause congestion in the breasts.
- Self help acupressure point Pericardum 1, Gall Bladder 21.