What is a Clogged Milk Duct and What Causes It?

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it sometimes comes with challenges like clogged milk ducts. Understanding why clogged milk ducts happen, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat and prevent them is essential for a smoother breastfeeding journey.

What Is a Clogged Milk Duct?

A clogged milk duct occurs when milk gets blocked in one of the tiny tubes that carry milk from the lobules (milk-producing glands) to the nipple. Each nipple has about 15 to 25 openings, but only 6 to 7 are typically used during nursing. When a duct gets blocked, it can cause a tender, sore area on the breast, which can become red and painful if not addressed.

What Are the Signs of a Clogged Milk Duct?

Common signs of a clogged milk duct include:

• A lump on your breast
• Redness and irritation around the lump
• The lump feeling dense, soft, or tender
• A feeling of fullness in the breast even after nursing

What Does a Clogged Milk Duct Look and Feel Like?

A clogged milk duct might not be immediately visible, but you can often feel it. Look for red, irritated areas on your breast that are tender or dense when touched. This combination of visual and tactile symptoms can help you identify a clogged duct.

Related: How To Cope With A Clogged Milk Duct?

What Causes a Clogged Milk Duct?

Several factors can contribute to clogged milk ducts, including:

• Tight clothing: Wearing bras or tops that are too tight can restrict milk flow.
• Nipple issues: Clogged nipple pores or dried milk can block milk flow.
• Engorgement: If your breasts aren’t adequately emptied during feedings, milk can build up and cause clogs.

Engorgement can happen if you:

• Don’t allow your baby enough time to feed
• Don’t vary nursing positions
• Space feedings too far apart
• Miss a feeding
• Have an improper latch
• Make sudden changes to your baby’s feeding schedule

Treatment for a Blocked Milk Duct

Here are effective ways to treat a clogged milk duct:

• Start nursing sessions with the affected breast to stimulate milk flow.
• Keep a regular breastfeeding schedule, feeding every 1.5 to 3 hours.
• Let your baby feed longer, up to 20 minutes per breast.
• Massage the affected breast while nursing.
• Position your baby’s chin near the lump during breastfeeding.
• Apply a warm compress to the lump for 10 to 15 minutes before feeding.
• Vary breastfeeding positions.
• Ensure your baby is properly latched; their gums and tongue should press on your areola.
• Massage the lump in the direction of the nipple during a bath or shower.
• Soak the nipple in warm water and manually express the clog.
• Pump or express milk if your baby doesn’t empty the breast.
• Increase your liquid intake to 8-10 glasses of water per day.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Get enough rest; try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
• Take painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen after consulting your healthcare provider.

If you experience body aches or a fever along with a clogged duct, contact your healthcare provider, as these may be signs of mastitis, a breast infection.

How Can You Prevent Clogged Milk Ducts?

Prevent clogged milk ducts with these tips:

• Avoid tight clothing, bras, or underwire bras to reduce breast pressure.
• Change nursing positions frequently to drain milk from all areas of the breast.
• Wash dried milk off your nipples with warm water.
• Ensure proper latch: your baby should have more of your areola in their mouth on the lower lip than the upper, with the nipple pointing toward the roof of their mouth.

If you have recurring clogged ducts or issues with latch, consult your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for personalized guidance.

Can You Squeeze a Plugged Milk Duct?

You can try to clear a clogged nipple pore by soaking the nipple in warm water and manually expressing milk to loosen the blockage.

How Do You Massage a Clogged Milk Duct?

Massage the affected breast starting from the lump towards the nipple to move the blockage. Do this before or during breastfeeding, or while taking a bath or shower.

Does Ibuprofen Help Clogged Milk Ducts?

Yes, painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain associated with a clogged milk duct. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

The Bottom Line

Clogged milk ducts can occur for various reasons, such as not fully emptying your breast during feedings. Prevent and clear clogged ducts by maintaining a regular breastfeeding schedule, using different nursing positions, and ensuring proper latch. If you face challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. Consistent breastfeeding routines and attention to your baby’s feeding patterns are key to preventing future clogged milk ducts.

Related: 12 Natural Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply