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Breast/chest concerns  ​

Blocked milk ducts​

A blocked milk duct may feel like a small tender lump in your breast, it may feel like a bruise. You may develop a blocked duct if you are not draining your breast/chest adequately, this may happen if:  ​

• Your baby is not effectively latched  ​
• If you are producing too much milk, sometimes referred to as an over supply  ​
• If you have tight fitting clothing, bra strap, seatbelt or strap on a bag digging into the breast/chest for a prolonged period of time ​
• If you are not feeding responsively and spacing out feeds  ​

Here are some self-help measures if you develop blocked ducts. If you do not try to resolve blocked ducts quickly it may lead to mastitis. 

More information about blocked milk ducts on the . 

Mastitis  ​

Mastitis can develop if you do not use self-help measures when you discover a blocked duct.   ​

An area(s) of your breast/chest may become sore, swollen, hot and painful to touch. You may be able to notice red patched in the painful area, however, if you have a darker skin tone this may not be easy to spot.   ​

If you have pain and flu-like symptoms, you should contact clinic 23 (01223 217217)​

To find out more information and for self-help measures please see the and the .

Engorgement  ​

If your breast/chest feels very full, hard, tight and/or painful you may be suffering with engorgement.   ​

Engorgement can happen when your milk comes in or if you have missed a feed or expressing session. It can take a few days for engorgement to settle and for your supply to match babyÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ need.  ​

If you are struggling with engorgement you can take pain relief to manage your pain. You can also apply cold compresses in between feeds or expressing sessions.   ​

For more information, please see the .​

Exaggerated latch​

The exaggerated latch or ‘flipple’ technique can be useful if you are struggling to achieve a deep and pain free latch. Using your thumb or finger near the base of your nipple and press so that your nipple tilts away from babyÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ mouth. When baby has opened wide, use your thumb or finger to tuck your nipple into babyÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ mouth, it will then flip past the top lip and gum and roll into babyÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ mouth. Your baby should then have a large mouthful of breast tissue with your nipple at the back of their mouth.

​Nipple concerns

Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples​

Breast/chest feeding should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain when baby is feeding you should seek support from your midwife, support staff, HV and/or peer support groups.   ​

Sore, cracked and bleeding nipples can be as a result of a poor, shallow latch. You will find more information on positioning and attachment on our Tips for successful breastfeeding page.

To ensure you do not develop blocked ducts and/or mastitis you should continue to feed baby responsively, if it is too painful to latch then you should express your milk.

For more information please see the .