Stoned milk, known scientifically for breast engorgement, usually occurs when there is incomplete emptying of the breasts, so a good home treatment for the bare breast is to put the baby to suck every two to three hours. Thus, it is possible to go removing the excess milk that is produced, leaving the breasts less hard, full and heavy. Another option is to use the milk pump after the baby suckles, if you do not have enough suckling to empty the breast.
However, if it is not possible to breastfeed because of the pain, there are other home treatments that can be done first:
1. Put warm compresses on the breasts
The warm compresses help dilate the swollen mammary glands to make it easier to remove the milk that is being produced in excess. Thus, the compresses can be placed 10 to 20 minutes before breastfeeding, for example, facilitating the delivery of milk and relieving pain during breastfeeding.
In pharmacies, there are even thermal disks like Nuk or Philips Avent that help stimulate the flow of milk before breastfeeding, but warm compresses also help a lot.
2. Perform circular massages on the breast
Breast massages help to carry milk through the sinus ducts and therefore also make it easier for the baby to remove excess milk from the breast. The massage should be done with circular movements, vertically and towards the nipple. Take a closer look at the technique of massaging the sinewy breasts.
This technique can even be used along with warm compresses as it will be easier to massage the area. Thus, when the dressing begins to cool, it should be removed from the breast and massage. Then a new warm compress can be put on if the breast is too hard.
3. Use bombinhas to take the milk
Using milk pumps or hands to pump out excess milk after baby feedings help ensure that milk does not end up getting hard inside the breast ducts. However, milk should not be milked at all feedings, as milk production may increase.
If the baby has difficulty catching the nipple due to swelling and tightening of the breasts, you can also remove some milk beforehand to ease the baby's grip and avoid damaging the nipples.
4. Apply cold compresses after feeding
After the baby sucks and after removing excess milk, cold compresses can be applied to the breasts to reduce inflammation and swelling.
With continued breastfeeding, breast engorgement usually disappears naturally. See also how to prevent breast engorgement.
