How to Ease Engorged Breasts, Blocked Milk Ducts

Once a woman has given birth and the body starts to produce more milk than is needed, many women find that their breasts become engorged and painful. There are many ways to soothe the breasts. In this article, we shall take a look at a few.

Hydrotherapy

Possibly the easiest and quickest way to start easing swelling and soreness is hydrotherapy. Simply half fill a sink with warm water and then lean over the sink placing the breasts in the water.

Massage the breasts from the ribs to the nipple and milk should flow into the water.

Doing this will ease some of the pain and discomfort which goes hand in hand with an over supply of milk. Do this as many times as you feel necessary.

Warm herbal Poultice

One of the staples for treating cuts and scrapes is comfrey and herbalists now believe that a comfrey poultice will relieve the pain from blocked milk ducts as well as reducing soreness.

A comfrey poultice is easy to make:

Take a handful of comfrey (fresh or dried) and place into a cloth diaper or a piece of cheesecloth. Tie with string.

Place in simmering water for 15 minutes.

Remove the package and allow to drain and cool slightly.

Apply to the affected breast.

Obviously if both breasts are affected make two packs. This can be done 4-5 times a day but do not use the used herbs start afresh each time for best results.

Hot Herbal Compress

Another way to treat blocked breast ducts and to reduce inflammation is by using a parsley compress. Again simple to prepare but effective:

Put a handful of parsley (fresh or dried) into a cloth and tie.

Place in simmering water for 10 minutes.

Remove, drain and allow to cool slightly.

Place on affected breasts. If both breasts need treating make two.

Throw away after one use as the packs absorb toxins from the breast tissue.

Marshmallow Root Soak

Marshmallow root is great for helping relieve sore breasts and nipples.

Boil one gallon of water and remove from stove.

Add 2 ounces of dried marshmallow root.

Leave overnight

Reheat so that the solution is comfortably warm.

Half fill a sink with the liquid or pour into a large bowl.

Place breast into the herbal infusion and leave until liquid cools.

Repeat 4-5 times a day.

This solution will feel slimy but that is normal.

Potato Poultice

This poultice will relieve mastitis, reduce inflammation and help to clear up blocked tubes and ducts.

Grate 2 raw potatoes

Cover either or both of the breasts completely with the raw grated potato.

Cover the area with a towel and leave for 15 minutes

This can be repeated 4-5 times a day.

If you are suffering from breast soreness after giving birth then I would highly recommend trying out some of the above remedies for ease and comfort.

Source: Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments From the Editors of Bottom Line Health