Clogged Milk Ducts

How can you prevent and treat clogged milk ducts?

Clogged Milk Ducts
Breastfeeding moms can experience clogged milk ducts while nursing. When the ducts in your breasts become blocked or clogged, you may develop a hard lump that become sore. Your breasts may appear red and feel warm also. Some women that have clogged milk ducts will experience flu-like symptoms-especially if the clogged milk duct becomes infected. When a clogged milk duct becomes infected, it is common to have body aches and a fever. This is known as mastitis.

When a nursing infant does not completely empty the breast during a feeding or a feeding is missed, the milk in the breast does not drain all the way. Some women will find that breastfeeding is hard, tiring or painful during the first few weeks and will become frustrated and "skimp" on feedings. Other women will limit the amount of time they allow their baby to nurse due to cracked or sore nipples. Not allowing the breasts to empty completely causes the milk ducts to become clogged and possibly infected.

To relieve the pain of clogged milk ducts, frequent feedings are critical. It is very important to empty the breasts completely to avoid ducts from becoming clogged. Sometimes massaging the area that is tender and using warm compresses will help to ease the pain and encourage the milk to empty completely. Taking tylenol usually helps with the pain. Although it can be hard to rest while caring for a newborn baby, it is critical that mothers rest to recover from clogged milk ducts. Nursing mothers should realize that during recovery, milk often flows slower than normal on the affected breast. It is fairly common for babies to sense the change and become fussy when the milk does not come out as quickly as usual. Continue to nurse your baby on the affected side anyways. Refrain from sleeping on your stomach or side so pressure is not put on the affected breast. Wearing a supportive, but not tight, bra can also help relieve the symptoms of clogged milk ducts.

Healthcare providers recommend calling if you do not feel better within 24 hours of starting relief methods. If your fever becomes high or you think an infection has set in, you should contact your doctor for an evaulation immediately. If an infection is present, you will need to take antibiotics. Most antibiotics are completely safe to take while breastfeeding and you should take the entire course as prescribed to completely rid the infection.

Comments: Clogged Milk Ducts

Comments 1 to 8 of about 8.

deeyore486 - 1004 days ago.
You can also nurse with that breast, pointing baby's chin toward the blocked ducked so that you are getting maximum suction to that area. Baby will often times pull the blockage out. If you check out the BF forum, many of the ladies there have dealt with them and have other ideas too!

ragtopgirl - 1005 days ago.
I am struggling with this too.... take the supplement lecithen. ( dr. reccomn=ended this) and it workd wonders) Put wash cloths in a crock pot with water and use these instead of trying to get them hot under the sink water. much more convenient. I had a big white dot on my breast also and finally had to steralize a needle and pop it open. Instant relief while I squeezed the milk in the sink!

DeannaNicole - 1015 days ago.
I was wondering about this I have three or four lumps on my right breast my baby is just a week old and won't eat from that side now. The pain is excruciating not sure how to fix it? Any one have any suggestions?

KristinaS2010 - 1193 days ago.
Has anyone had this without being pregnant and able to nurse. I've had a clogged milk duct for quite awhile. Found out about 3 months before I even went for my IVF cycle. Now I'm 24 weeks and still can't seem to get rid of it. The doctor told me to avoid caffine, massage it (escpecially in the tub or shower), and to use heated wet wash cloths. Any other ideas. It had started to shrink but these last few weeks it has began getting bigger again. UGH, the pain. LOL

Heather12 - 1321 days ago.
Oh know. I thought I was dying when I got mastitis. Nurse as much as you can, massage and rest. Take Care. Hope you feel better soon.

campimama - 1321 days ago.
nurse, nurse, nurse...rest, rest, rest. Been there, it sucks. It will get better. I didn't do the antibiotics either. As soon as the blockage breaks loose you will feel better. Massage the lump while you are feeding bub, massage in the shower. Get the milk flowin'. Heat compresses help too. Hang in there!

sondramarie - 1321 days ago.
I have mastitas omg I want to die from pain and I feel so weak from the fever I didn't want to take my antibiotic bc I don't want to give my baby trush but I am so ill I don't know what to do

Heather12 - 1381 days ago.
I used to get clogged milk ducts all the time. Very painful. I even got mastitis once. I think it was worse giving birth! LOL! Need any advice I can probably help.