ABUJA – Dr Efena Efiete, Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, National Hospital, Abuja, has said that breast engorgement experienced by some nursing mothers cannot result to breast cancer.
Efiete told journalists in Abuja that such formation occurs when nursing mothers do not breast feed their babies properly and frequently.
According to him, breast engorgement occurs when there is a build-up of milk, blood and other fluids in the breast tissue which makes the breast become larger and heavy.
“After the first three to four postpartum days, the quantity of colostrum is quickly replaced by an increased milk production.
“When the milk production increases rapidly, the volume of milk in the breast can exceed the capacity of the alveoli to store it.
“And if the milk is not removed, such condition leads to breast engorgement,’’ said the consultant.
He explained that breast engorgement usually happened during lactation as such made it difficult for the baby to breast feed effectively.
He said: “It is a condition that happens when a nursing mother begins to feel both mild or extreme pain and a firm lump in the breast.’’
Efiete reiterated that such experience could extend to the armpit as well as lead to infection such as mastitis.
The gyneacologist described mastitis as an infection that occurred in the tissue of the breast when the nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from a baby’s mouth to enter the breast.
Efiete attributed breast engorgement to lack of proper breast feeding and if the milk ducts were obstructed.
“Breast milk is a good medium for bacteria to breed on especially when left in the breast for too long.
“Nursing mothers who do not express the milk out of the breast stand a risk of developing breast engorgement,’’ he added.
Besides, Efiete advised nursing mothers to breast feed their babies regularly to prevent the development of breast engorgement.
He also urged working mothers to express their breast milk in sterilised containers and keep in the refrigerator to avoid the breast been engorged.
The gynaecologist also encouraged nursing mothers to breast feed between eight to 12 times in a day, adding that babies should finish nursing on one breast before switching to the other.
He said in treating the condition, massaging the breast with hot or cold water could help to relieve pressure and pain.
Breast engorgement not cancerous, says gynaecologist
