Breast Lumps

Why do I feel lumps and bumps in my breasts?

Occasionally you may notice a lumpy area of your breasts. You might feel it after a nursing or pumping session. These lumps are caused by fluid build up in the tissues surrounding the alveoli glands where milk is made. These lumps are not milk that is stuck in the breast; milk is trapped in the glands where it is produced, and cannot get out because the swollen areas around the alveoli prevent the milk from flowing through the ductal anatomy. Think of your breasts as suffering from a traffic jam deep inside!

The best and easiest treatments to begin resolving this congestion are:

• Warm compresses or warm cloths over the breast tissue before a nursing or pumping session.
• Using coconut or olive oil on your fingertips to massage the lumpy areas of the breast while nursing or pumping.
• Extra minutes of pumping after a nursing session, but not excessive amounts of pumping. For example, pump for 10 – 12 minutes of after a nursing session.
• Use cool compresses or ice packs after nursing or pumping for about 5 – 6 minutes at a time.
• Adequate removal of milk at frequent intervals will help prevent this problem from recurring.
• Start taking sunflower lecithin capsules daily, one in the morning and one in the evening, for one week. If the swelling is resolving within the first week, reduce the lecithin to one capsule in the morning until all swelling is gone. You may need to restart these capsules again if the lumpy tissue returns.

It is important to keep an eye on your milk supply. It is possible to notice a reduced supply for a few days when you have lumps and bumps in the breast.

Concerned about lumps in your breast tissue? Reach out to one of the healthcare professionals on our team for personalized care.