What to do if there is milk during lactation?

It is a common phenomenon that the accessory breast produces milk during lactation. It is usually caused by the development of accessory breast tissue. It can be treated by observation, care or medical intervention according to the specific situation. If the accessory breast is painless, itchy and not infected, you can start with daily care; if it is accompanied by pain, swelling or infection, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further aggravation.

1) The reason why accessory breasts secrete milk during lactation

Accessory breasts are a phenomenon caused by genetic and developmental abnormalities. During the embryonic development stage, breast tissue may be retained outside the chest to form accessory breasts. During lactation, the secretion of prolactin may stimulate the mammary ducts in the accessory breast tissue to secrete milk. If the accessory breast secretes more milk, or even causes pain or mastitis, special attention is usually required. Accessory breasts are often affected by physiological factors. For example, the regulation of increased mammary duct secretion during breastfeeding may also cause functional changes in the accessory breasts.

2) Coping methods and daily care

-Daily care: Keep the skin clean and hygienic, especially the area where the accessory breasts are located, to prevent sweat accumulation and skin infection. Wear comfortable and breathable clothing to avoid friction and irritation. If the milk secretion is small and there is no discomfort, just pay attention to regular cleaning.

- Relieve bloating and milk secretion: You can use hot or cold compresses to relieve local discomfort, and use gauze to gently squeeze out excess milk, but avoid excessive stimulation, as excessive squeezing may make milk secretion more vigorous.

-Adjust breastfeeding posture: adopt the correct breastfeeding method to reduce mechanical stimulation to the accessory breast area, while ensuring the normal patency of the mammary ducts to prevent mastitis.

3) Necessity of medical intervention

If persistent pain, fever, swelling, excessive milk secretion or infection occurs in the accessory breast area, it is recommended to see a breast surgeon or obstetrician and gynecologist as soon as possible to rule out the risk of mastitis or other complications. The doctor may take the following measures depending on the specific situation:

-Medical relief: Use topical anti-inflammatory ointments or oral anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling.

-Suction or tube drainage: For cases of severe fluid accumulation or milk duct blockage, suction or aseptic drainage can be performed under the guidance of a doctor.

-Surgery: If the accessory breast becomes infected repeatedly or causes significant interference with your daily life, your doctor may recommend a mastectomy to address the root cause of the problem.

The secretion of milk from accessory breasts during breastfeeding is usually controllable, and daily care is the key, but if you feel uncomfortable, you must seek medical attention in time to avoid further development of infection and other problems. Scientific and standardized treatment can not only protect the smooth progress of breastfeeding, but also improve the quality of life and spend the breastfeeding period with peace of mind.