moist heat
Moist Heat
Moist heat involves using warm, wet applications, such as a hot bath, steam sauna, or warm compresses, to help relieve pain and improve milk flow during breastfeeding. It can be soothing and assist with softening the breast and facilitating milk flow before breastfeeding or pumping.
The updated recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine advise against using heat for managing engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis due to potential worsening of inflammation and tissue damage. Instead, cold compresses and other methods are recommended. For more information, refer to the ABM Protocol #36.
What to watch out for
While using moist heat can be beneficial, there are a few things to be mindful of:
- Overheating: Be careful not to use heat that is too hot, as it can cause burns or further irritation. The heat should be warm and comfortable, not scalding.
- Limited usage time: Apply moist heat for short periods, typically around 10-15 minutes. Prolonged use can cause swelling or damage to your skin.
- Signs of infection: If you have symptoms of mastitis (such as redness, swelling, and fever), consult a healthcare professional before using moist heat, as additional treatment may be necessary. For more information, visit mastitis management.
If you experience discomfort or any adverse effects while using moist heat, stop and consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.
Physical limitations or health circumstances
Certain conditions might affect how you use moist heat:
- Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, be cautious when applying moist heat to avoid irritation.
- Breast infections: If you have an infection like mastitis, moist heat is no longer recommended. Instead, focus on other methods such as cold compresses, taking pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and consulting with a healthcare provider for appropriate care. Always seek advice from a healthcare provider.
If you have any concerns about using moist heat, discuss them with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s a safe option for you.
Other terms
- Engorgement: When your breasts become overly full of milk or fluid, causing them to feel hard and painful. The updated recommendations no longer advise using heat for managing engorgement. Instead, focus on other methods such as cold compresses and hand expression. Learn more about managing engorgement.
- Clogged ducts: When milk ducts get inflammed, leading to pain and swelling. The updated recommendations no longer advise using heat for managing clogged ducts. Instead, focus on other methods such as cold compresses and gentle massage. Read more about preventing and treating clogged ducts.
- Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that causes pain, swelling, and redness. The updated recommendations no longer advise using heat for managing mastitis. Instead, focus on other methods such as cold compresses, taking pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and consulting with a healthcare provider for appropriate care. For more information, visit mastitis management.
- Warm compress: A cloth soaked in warm water and applied to the breast to provide moist heat. Use with caution and follow updated guidelines for specific conditions.
