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Clogged (aka blocked or plugged) milk ducts can occur if breasts aren’t emptied regularly or completely, causing a small hard lump in the breast tissue that feels tender and swollen. It is usually more painful before feedings and can lead to an infection called mastitis if not addressed. ~20% of breastfeeding moms get mastitis at some point, usually in the first few weeks. Mastitis symptoms include intense breast pain, swelling, and redness with fever, chills, and flu-like aching. Treatment for blocked ducts and mastitis are similar, but for mastitis you should also call your doctor for antibiotics.
Apply a warm compress to the affected breast for 2-3 minutes directly before nursing
Or, stand in a warm shower with water hitting your back, not directly on breasts
The warmth helps blood vessels dilate, encouraging milk flow
Avoid heat between feedings as it can worsen swelling and engorgement
During nursing sessions and while in the shower, gently massage the area above and below the clog, working toward the nipple
This helps encourage milk drainage
Keep breast as empty as possible to lessen build up:
Breastfeed and/or pump often (every 2-3 hours)
Empty breasts thoroughly
Use different positions
Breastfeed from affected breast first (if it hurts to start there, start with the other but switch to affected one after letdown)
Try hand expressing or pumping a little milk after nursing to aid milk drainage (just enough to relieve the pressure; pumping too much can prolong cycle of engorgement)
After and between feedings, rest to help your body heal and use cold compresses up to 20 minutes at a time to ease pain and inflammation
Ask your doctor if they advise ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease swelling and pain
Some moms have success taking sunflower lecithin to loosen fat cells in the milk and to help prevent the recurrence of clogged ducts
For mastitis: Call your doctor for antibiotics to treat the infection
