ADV IC E...QUICK ANSWER PLEASE...

[BarbieLovesKen]

my cousin has jus had a baby.. she is wondering how long it will take for epson salt to work to relieve the pain in her boobs? ive no idea, just wondering if anyone has tryed this? really appreciate advise for her...

I've seen epson salts advised to relieve a blocked milk duct, but never tried it. Has she been diagnosed as having blocked ducts or mastitis, or is it just engorgement that's making her breasts painful? If it's engorgement the epson salts may not do anything for her, but expressing a little milk or feeding the baby (if she's breastfeeding) would help.

Does she have any sore, red patches on her breast? They might indicate mastitis.

What sort of pain is it? Is she breastfeeding or bottle feeding?

If it's "just" engorgement then feeding the baby (if breastfeeding) and/or expressing off just enough to relieve the worst of the fullness may help. Also Savoy cabbage leaves in her bra (but change them frequently or she'll start to smell).

If it's a blocked duct then feeding the baby a lot on that side, combined with hot showers and massaging the breast towards the nipple, can help.

If it's mastitis then she should see a doctor.