Montgomery Glands: A piece of female anatomy you've probably never heard of
Updated: Dec 9, 2021
The #Montgomeryglands secrete a very small amount of a thin, waxy fluid that has lubricating and anti-infective properties. It is also thought that the smell produced is similar to that of the amniotic fluid… making it feel like home to your baby. 😊
Normally these glands (or tubercles) become much more prominent during #pregnancy and this continues while #breastfeeding. (See pic below 👇)
A #pluggedMontgomerygland occurs when these bumps on the areola become irritated or inflamed. This can occur from irritation from substances touching the area such as creams or soaps, wearing bras that are too tight, irritation from breast pads, etc… (I recently saw a client develop one after returning to working out and probably wearing an irritating and/or too snug sports bra... possibly became irritated from increased sweat lingering in the area as well.) They don’t always look as obvious as the picture below, but typically your first symptom will be #pain.
⚠️This is not #mastitis, but occasionally a mother will need antibiotic therapy, so it’s best to have your physician/midwife in the loop. Please don’t try to “pop” it! But if it opens and drains on its own, you will probably feel relief. If you develop a fever/chills, other flu like symptoms, or have discharge from the area, please notify your physician/midwife ASAP.
While this is not the same as a #milkbleb or #milkblister, early, at-home care is similar… warm compresses to the area and/or epsom salt soaks (there are many great videos out there showing hacks for this with a #Haaka). Just be sure to rinse your nipple/areola afterwards so there is no epsom salt residue before babe nurses again (or you pump). If you don't already have a handy-dandy Haaka silicone pump, you can find one here: https://amzn.to/3HPZFu0
Even though it is painful, similar to recommendations when dealing with a #pluggedduct or mastitis, you need to continue breastfeeding and/or pumping frequently to help clear the clog.
And, of course, it is probably a very good idea to see an IBCLC to help you manage it. Book a visit with me here: https://www.moblactation.com/book-online
Blue background “normal anatomy” photo credit: instagram account @milkmumsco
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