What is the cause and how do you treat a lump in the breast?

"I have adjusted my milk expressing to suit my life style (currently once a day) which has been such a little sacrifice for me, to make such a huge difference. I would highly recommend donating milk, the rewards are endless."

Natalie M. (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town

“I am a registered midwife and nursing sister. I have worked at the neonatal unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa for the last 18 years.

My son Ashton was delivered by emergency caesarean section at Groote Schuur Hospital. I was only 6months and 4 days pregnancy. Both our lives were in danger and Ashton weighing 990 grams was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Knowing all the complications that could occur to my child was extremely stressful and emotional. This impacted on my ability to produce breast milk for my son.

I knew how important breast milk was and I knew giving formula was not even an option. Providing these babies with breast milk is the single most effective way of preventing life-threatening complications. Fortunately donor breastmilk was available so thankfully Ashton was given the start he deserved.

Ashton is now 5 years old and is a normal, typical boy of his age. Ashton is an example of the miracle of milk, love and prayers.

I will forever be indebted and thankful to all the mothers who donated breast milk to Ashton."

Lucile (Recipeint baby's mother & Neonatal ICU sister) - Cape Town

"Having had a baby almost 8 weeks early myself, it meant a lot to help other prem babies, without milk from their moms, by donating milk to Milk Matters, a very special organisation that is very close to my heart."

Michelle S. (breastmilk donor) - Greenpoint

Milk Matters

What is the cause and how do you treat a lump in the breast?

A blocked milk duct may cause a lump, pain and redness in the breast.

Your baby may also become fussy at the breast as the milk flow may be slower than before.

This occurs when the milk ducts become blocked so that milk cannot pass through to the baby. The milk glands behind the ducts then fail to drain completely causing increased pressure and pain.

The condition is often linked to :

Wearing a constricting bra or clothing,
Insufficient drainage of the breast either by the baby, or
By infrequent feeding.

Encourage milk flow by applying warmth to the lumpy area before feeding and gently massaging the breast while feeding.
When possible, shorten the interval between feeds.
Change the baby's position at the breast. (See page on FAQ Position and Latch)
If the lumps continue they can also be very effectively treated by one or two ultrasound treatments administered by an experienced physiotherapist.

If you feel ill, headachy, and feverish, the surrounding tissue may have become inflamed in which case you need to see a doctor. (See Mastitis below)

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