Lactostasis: breast pain during breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, many women experience discomfort or pain in the breasts. One of the most common causes of this condition is lactostasis — breast milk stasis, which may be accompanied by a lump, swelling, and increased body temperature.

Women often notice breast pain while breastfeeding, a feeling of fullness, or a lump in a specific area. In such cases, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms in time and prevent inflammation from developing.

What is lactostasis?

Many mothers experience breast pain and discomfort after childbirth, even with regular breastfeeding.

This condition occurs when milk does not flow properly through some of the milk ducts. As a result, milk can build up in the breast, causing pain, swelling, and a lump.

The problem most often occurs during the first weeks of lactation, when the body is still adapting to breastfeeding.

Causes of lactostasis

There are several common factors that can contribute to milk stasis.

The main causes include:

• irregular breastfeeding;
• missed feeds;
• incorrect latching;
• tight-fitting underwear;
• sleeping in an uncomfortable position;
• severe fatigue or stress;
• oversupply of breast milk.

Sometimes the problem can occur even when breastfeeding is well established, especially while lactation is being established.

What does lactostasis look like?

Not all women immediately recognize what this condition looks like. Most often, a localized lump or a painful area appears in the breast.

Symptoms may include:

• skin redness;
• a feeling of breast fullness;
• areas of increased warmth in the breast;
• a firm area in the breast during breastfeeding;
• discomfort when touching the breast.

Sometimes women may also experience tingling in the breast or a feeling of pressure in the area where milk has accumulated.

Main symptoms and what to do about lactostasis

To better understand the condition and know when home care may be sufficient and when medical advice is needed, consider the following symptoms and recommendations.

It is important to remember that during breastfeeding, you should not tolerate significant discomfort or try to treat severe inflammation on your own without consulting a healthcare professional.

What not to do when you have lactostasis

When milk stasis occurs, it is important not only to manage breastfeeding correctly but also to avoid actions that may worsen the condition or contribute to inflammation.

If the condition does not improve or symptoms become more severe, it is important not to delay seeking medical advice.

How is lactostasis treated?

Many women are concerned about breast pain and discomfort during breastfeeding and are unsure whether medication is necessary.

In most cases, the condition improves when milk flow is restored and the baby latches correctly. However, if symptoms persist, pain becomes more severe, or the temperature does not decrease, medical advice is necessary.

It is especially important not to self-treat if:

• symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours;
• severe redness develops;
• body temperature increases;
• your general condition worsens.

Signs that require medical attention

Sometimes milk stasis can progress to inflammation of the breast — mastitis. That is why it is important not to ignore persistent symptoms.

Warning signs include:

• severe pain;
• high fever;
• increasing redness;
• significant swelling;
• a sudden deterioration in your general condition.

Breastfeeding mothers should be especially attentive during the first few months after childbirth, when lactation is still being established.

When should you see a breast specialist or gynecologist?

If breast pain does not go away, a lump persists, or your temperature rises, it is important to see a doctor for an examination.

At ZDRAVO, women can consult a breast specialist about breastfeeding problems, lactostasis, and breast health. The medical center offers convenient appointment scheduling without long waits, attentive care, and comfortable conditions for new mothers.