17. Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information
Following are some common breastfeeding related conditions. If you experience any of these
symptoms, contact a healthcare professional or lactation professional.
Engorgement
Blocked/Plugged
Ducts
Mastitis
A Healthcare Professional or Lactation Professional can give you guidance in breastfeeding your baby and using
a breast pump. Their guidance is valuable in terms of the lifetime of health benefits for both you and your baby.
A listing of lactation professionals are available at www.medelalocator.com or calling 1-800-TELL-YOU
(1-800-835-5968).
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Symptom
Breasts are hard and uncomfortable, possibly
with reddened areas.
Area of breast will look reddened and may be
tender to touch.
It often follows engorgement but can just
occur suddenly. The initial symptoms are
similar to flu – fatigue, headache and muscle
aches, fever and localized breast tenderness.
It can be in one or even both breasts and
needs immediate treatment.
Potential Causes
Milk not draining properly from breast.
Milk can drain back into the tissue
causing areas to swell and become
tender.
Milk not being drained from a specific
duct. The area becomes "clogged" up
and milk is then prevented from flowing.
A bacterial infection in the breast tissue
which is often accompanied by cracked
nipples.