What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Clogged Milk Duct?

Signs vary, but usually present with tenderness or a lump, and often restricted milk flow. Clogs can be felt: 

• Deep in the ductal system- feels like lump or area of engorgement and tenderness

• Closer to the surface- may feel like a pebble under the skin, tender
• At the nipple pore- we call this a milk blister/bleb. These are handled a little differently, so we’ll address blebs in another article.

Why Does This Happen?

Plugs can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes:

• Improper latch
• Ineffective suck
• Tongue tie or other oral restriction
• Sleepy or distracted eater
• Oversupply of milk
• Rigid scheduling or timed feedings
• Skipped feedings or pumping sessions
• Returning to work
• Use of a nipple shield
• Weaning abruptly
• Compression tight or ill-fitting bras, especially underwires
• Sleeping on one side
• High consumption of saturated fats
• Secondary infections that cause inflammation, like thrush
• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
• Stress and fatigue
• Lowered immunity or anemia, which is one reason diet is so important for lactation

**It’s important not to try to self diagnose. These issues are highly individual, and it’s very easy to get it wrong and compound your issues. We take insurance, as do many other IBCLCs, so it usually costs you nothing at all to let a specialist help you.**

Can You Still Breastfeed With A Clogged Duct?

How Do You Unclog Breast Milk Ducts?

First, make an appointment with a lactation consultant. While you’re waiting for your visit, be sure to:

• Empty your breasts frequently- every 2 hours (unless you have oversupply)
• Before nursing/pumping, apply moist heat and gently massage the area to encourage milk flow
• Hand express after feedings to ensure breasts are empty
• Use cold compresses after milk removal to reduce pain and inflammation
• Rest as much as possible
• Eat well and stay hydrated

Other strategies and dietary changes may be implemented by your lactation consultant to help reduce and prevent recurrence. These recommendations are individual and are not right for every situation. approved and monitored by your lactation consultant and in some cases, your physician.

How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again?

• Follow your care plan from your lactation consultant and attend any recommended follow-up visit(s)
• Ensure that your baby has good latch and can transfer effectively
• Stay away from underwires and excessively tight bras
• Empty your breasts regularly
• Eat a diet low in saturated fats
• Sleep on your back (side and stomach sleeping puts pressure on your milk ducts)

Risk Factors For Recurrence:

Any of the issues that may cause a clog initially, if not resolved, will likely result in recurrence. This is why it’s so important to see a lactation consultant.

Treatment:

While working with an IBCLC:

• Dietary changes- increase fluids and decrease saturated fats, increase choline intake
• Adding probiotics
• Regular breast massage
• Empty breasts fully and frequentlyD