Help, my milk is blocked!

Anyone who has experienced this knows how painful it is. It starts with a nagging ache in the chest and if you're unlucky, then chills and fever develop. Reasons for the condition may include the baby's poor grip when nursing, or exposure to cold or drafts across the breasts. A tight fitting bra or clothing can also cause the milk ducts to become blocked.

What can you do to prevent it from happening? Milk engorgement is painful and unfortunately very common. As a nursing mother, you would like to be able to go outside the home without the risk of being affected. To reduce the risk, it is important to wear warm clothing and avoid drafts over the chest area. Imse has developed windproof and warm nursing pads made of soft fleece that you can wear over your regular nursing bra and under a top that's a bit snug. The inserts must extend from the armpit where the milk ducts begin and cover the entire breast for protection and warmth, so it is important that the inserts are large enough.

What can you do if you are already experiencing milk blockage?
In the case of milk engorgement, the breast becomes hard, red and tender. This happens when all of the milk is not able to come out of the milk ducts, and it is painful. The best way to treat a blocked milk duct is to nurse, massage and keep your breasts warm. Imse has created breast warmers made from Gotland wool that warm the entire breast all the way to the armpit, as far as the milk ducts extend. They are sold in pairs and easy to use, put them directly against your skin or over a loose fitting nursing bra. Since you will want to be able to keep your entire chest warm, it is important that the inserts are large. Nursing pads may also be used to prevent milk engorgement. Wear them over your regular nursing bra and under your top or sweater. The insert has a silk cover that is easy to remove and wash.