What breast health issues should I be aware of?

Many women experience clogged milk ducts or even lactation mastitis (an inflammation of breast tissue that may or may not involve an infection, but causes breast pain, swelling, warmth, fever, or chills) during their breastfeeding experience. Breast lumps are not uncommon.

Depending on the level of injury and hand function women with SCI could be more likely to experience clogged ducts during breastfeeding. This happens when the breast is not fully emptied of milk at each feeding due to incomplete latching and suckling.

Breast health may also be compromised if the baby is not held well to the breast due to limited hand and arm function or muscle fatigue. Limited hand function may also lead to poor milk expression and limit the ability to perform self-lymphatic drainage and massage, which can contribute to the development of clogged ducts and mastitis.

Recommendations:

• Wear a supportive bra (even at night) but avoid restrictive clothing.
• Change damp or soiled breast pads often.
• Shower daily and wash nipples with clear water only (no soap).
• Eat a healthy diet and stay well hydrated.
• Use gentle breast massage (If hand function is limited, a massaging device could be used, or assistance requested from partner or caregiver).
• Alternate use of hot and cold compresses may be helpful if your breasts are engorged.
• If you have mastitis, check with your health care provider how you can safely continue to breastfeed your baby.
• Be aware that pain from breastfeeding and mastitis could cause AD.

Refer to the Penn Medicine article on General Breast Health as well as the Cleveland Clinic article on Care for Mastitis for more information!