Plugged or clogged milk ducts are a common complication for breastfeeding mothers, often causing discomfort, pain, and anxiety. If your breasts become inflamed or swollen, it’s important to act quickly to relieve discomfort and avoid any further complications like mastitis or abscesses.
While they can be painful and uncomfortable, plugged ducts are generally manageable with the right approach and understanding. In this blog, I will explain what plugged milk ducts are, their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies. As usual, I will also share my top 10 tips for treating clogged ducts to empower mothers with the tools and knowledge to avoid further complications.
What are Plugged Milk Ducts?
Plugged milk ducts, also called clogged or blocked ducts, occur when milk flow is retained in one or more ducts. This leads to a hard lump or tender area that feels firm and sore to the touch. The obstruction is typically caused by pressure or incomplete milk drainage.
If left untreated, a clogged duct can develop into mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that requires medical attention and treatment. The good news is that most cases resolve with prompt and proper care. Usually, the obstruction decreases towards the end of the breastfeeding session but refills as the breast becomes full again. It’s crucial to monitor the lump and observe how it evolves. If the lump doesn’t disappear within 72 hours or remains unchanged before and after feeding, consult your IBCLC or midwife for further guidance.
What Causes Clogged Milk Ducts?
Several factors can contribute to clogged ducts, the good news is that most of them are preventable:
- Stress and fatigue: These can impact milk let-down and lead to insufficient milk drainage.
- Incomplete breast emptying: If milk isn’t fully drained during a feed or a pumping session, it can accumulate and cause a blockage.
- Limited feeding time: Unlatching your baby before they’ve finished feeding may lead to insufficient milk removal, increasing the risk of a clog.
- Irregular feeding or pumping: Skipping feeds regularly or going long periods without breastfeeding or pumping can lead to engorgement and increase the likelihood of an obstruction.
- Poor latch or inefficient milk transfer: If your baby isn’t latching properly or sucking effectively, milk may not flow out completely.
- Pressure on the breast: Wearing tight bras, carrying heavy bags that press against your chest, or sleeping on your stomach can all create pressure on your breasts.
Symptoms
Plugged duct symptoms can be uncomfortable for breastfeeding mothers. Recognising the early signs of a clogged duct is key to resolving it quickly. Common symptoms include:
- A hard, painful lump in the breast.
- Localised tenderness or swelling.
- Discomfort or pain during feeding or pumping.
- Warmth in the affected area.
- Shooting pain, especially during let-down.
- Decreased milk supply.
- Milk blebs\ in some cases.
How to Prevent Clogged Ducts?
Prevention is often the best approach to manage clogged ducts. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk:
- Ensure proper latch: Establish a good latch during every feeding session to empty the breast and prevent milk accumulation.
- Frequent feeding: Feed your baby on demand or pump regularly if you’re away and feeling engorged and uncomfortable.
- Breast compression technique: Use this to encourage your baby to drink more efficiently and to reduce the possibility of falling asleep without emptying the breast properly.
- Alternate breastfeeding positions: Switch positions during feeds to help drain different parts of the breast.
- Avoid tight clothing: Wear comfortable bras and avoid clothing that compresses your breasts. Switch sleeping positions to avoid consistent pressure.
- Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can worsen the situation. Practice relaxation techniques to support milk flow and overall well-being.
- Hydration and nutrition: Drink enough fluids (the amount your body asks for) and eat a well-balanced and healthy diet to support milk production. Avoid snacking all day and eat proper meals instead.
- Get enough rest: Rest whenever possible to maintain your energy and health.
- Seek professional help: Consult your IBCLC for personalised advice and support.
My Top 10 Tips to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts
While some plugged ducts may resolve on their own, most will require additional measure. If prevention isn’t enough and you develop a clogged duct, get in touch with your IBCLC to help you identify the underlying cause of the clog, and to find the best treatment method for you to avoid complications. Remember that clogged ducts can lead to other complications if left untreated. In the meantime, you can try the following measures to help you to reduce the clogged duct:
1. Don’t stop breastfeeding: Continue to breastfeed frequently to keep milk flowing. Frequent milk removal is the most effective way to clear a blockage.
2. Apply cold compresses: Use cold packs between feeds to reduce swelling. Avoid applying heat, as it can worsen inflammation.
3. Gently massage before feeding: Perform circular massages over the lump using your fingertips or knuckles. Try the “number 9” technique, drawing the head of the “9” over the lump between 3 and 5 times and the tail toward the nipple. Avoid massaging the nipple itself, as it’s more sensitive. You can also perform this technique while breastfeeding, as your baby’s suction will assist you with the process. If throughout the feed, the pain and discomfort allow you, you can increase the pressure of the massage as long as is still manageable.
4. Adjust your baby’s position: One of the best tips that works with the mothers I work with, is placing your baby’s chin toward the affected area. Babies’ chins are very powerful so they will help to clear up the duct. Depending on where the lump is placed, the position of the baby will be easier or more difficult. If it’s very complicated, you can ask your partner to assist you or you can get in touch with your IBCLC to help you. Delaying seeking for help can lead on a worse situation like a mastitis.
5. Check your baby’s latch: This is important, especially when breastfeeding is settled, and mothers don’t pay much more attention when feeding their babies. If the latch is not correct, they won’t be able to efficiently remove milk from the breast which can lead to plugs.
6. Start the feed with the affected breast: It’s important to switch breast at every feed to make sure baby is draining equally both sides, however in the situation of a plugged duct, it is recommended to start with the affected breast as babies tend to suck more vigorously at the start of a feeding. This does not mean that you need to always feed your baby from this side and forget about the other one, as you may start having the same issue on the other side. It’s important to find the balance and to individualise every case as some babies have enough with one breast per feed while others may need both breast every time.
7. Empty the breast: If your baby doesn’t fully drain the breast, hand express the remaining milk. In this situation, I will recommend avoiding pumping, as it may overstimulate milk production and can worsen the situation.
8. Pain management: Use over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease swelling. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
9. Rest as much as you can: Remember to care for yourself in order to care for your baby. Prioritise rest to support your body’s healing process.
10. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid recovery.
In conclusion, clogged milk ducts are a common challenge in breastfeeding, but with awareness and support, they are manageable. Remember that a clogged duct doesn’t mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With the guidance of an IBCLC and appropriate care, you can overcome this obstacle and continue providing your baby with the benefits of breast milk.
