All-night feeding sessions, resuscitation, breast pumps, leakage and more. You probably thought you heard it all when it comes to the joy of breastfeeding your baby. (Yes, there are some really surprising and sweet moments too!)
And then you feel a hard, painful lump. What is this? There may be a blocked milk duct. But don’t be afraid yet – you can actually typically clear congestion at home and go back to your normal routine.
Of course, it’s always possible for the bumps to progress to something more serious like mastitis. Let’s take a look at what to look out for when it comes to a clogged milk duct and when to see your doctor.
Signs of a blocked milk duct
Clogged milk ducts occur when a milk duct in your breast is blocked or otherwise poorly drained. If your breast isn’t completely emptied after a meal, your baby skips a feed, or you’re under stress – to be honest, there are a lot of new mothers.
Symptoms can occur slowly and usually affect only one breast. You may encounter:
- lump in one area of your breast
- revival around the bump
- pain or swelling near the swelling
- reduced discomfort after feeding / pumping
- pain during frustration
- milk plug / blister (bubble) in the teat nozzle
- movement of bumps over time
It’s also common to see a temporary drop in your supply when there’s a blockage. You may even see thickened or fatty milk when you express it – it may look like strings or grains.
How could it be more serious?
Here’s the real bum: If you do nothing, the blockage is unlikely to fix itself. Instead, it can progress to an infection called mastitis. Remember that fever is not a symptom you would experience with a blocked milk duct. If you have pain and other symptoms accompanied by fever, you may have an infection.
Mastitis symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:
- Fever of 38.3 ° C or higher
- flu-like symptoms (chills and body aches)
- warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the entire breast
- breast lump or thickened breast tissue
- burning sensation and / or discomfort while nursing / pumping
- rash on the affected skin (may be wedge-shaped)
Mastitis affects 1 in 10 women who are breastfeeding, so you are not alone. If you have it before, you are more likely to get it again. Untreated mastitis can lead to a collection of pus – abscess – that requires surgical drainage.
Causes of a blocked milk duct
Again, the root cause of blocked milk ducts is often something that prevents the breast from emptying completely. This could be anything from a too tight sports bra or infrequently fed feeds, the pressure on your chest.
Clogged ducts and mastitis can even be caused by the way you feed your baby. For example, if your baby likes one breast more than another, it can cause blockages in the less used breast. Latching problems and sucking problems are other situations that can encourage milk back up.
There are also some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing blocked ducts and mastitis:
- a history of mastitis while nursing
- broken skin in the nipples
- not enought feeding
- to smoke
- stress and fatigue
What if you are not breastfeeding?
Much of the information you’ll find about blocked ducts and mastitis revolves around women who are breastfeeding. However, even if you’re not caring for a baby, you may get these conditions – or the like – from time to time.
Periductal mastitis is mastitis that occurs without lactation. This is rare in Trusted Source, and it usually affects women during their reproductive years. Symptoms are similar to lactation mastitis and can be caused by things like smoking, bacterial infection, broken skin on the nipple, and breast fistulas.
Breast duct ectasia is a condition that primarily affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. A milk duct expands, thickens the duct walls and fills it with fluid that can become thick and sticky. Eventually, this discharge can lead to pain and tenderness and periductal mastitis.
Mastitis can also affect men very rare cases. Reliable Source. For example, granulomatous mastitis is a chronic form of mastitis that affects both men and women. Its symptoms are similar to those of breast cancer and include a firm mass (abscess) and swelling in the chest.
Treatment of a blocked milk duct
Stop, drop and roll. No really. At the first sign of a clogged channel, you can start working on the problem.
One of the most effective treatments is massage, especially while feeding or pumping. To massage, start from the outside of the breast and apply pressure with your fingers as you move towards the plug. Massaging while in the shower or bath can also help.
Other tips for clearing a blockage:
- Continue breastfeeding. The idea is to continue to drain the breast frequently.
- Start feeding with the affected breast to get the most attention. Babies are most likely to suck the breast from which they first opened (because they are hungry).
- Consider soaking your breast in a bowl of warm water and then massaging the congestion.
- Try changing the positions you use to breastfeed. Moving sometimes allows the baby’s suck to reach the clog better while breastfeeding.
If you develop mastitis, you will need antibiotics to treat the infection.
- The drugs can be given for a period of 10 days. Be sure to take all medications to protect against the recurrence of mastitis. If symptoms persist after finishing your medication, consult your doctor.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help with discomfort and inflammation of breast tissue. Your doctor may suggest that you take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil / Motrin (ibuprofen).
When to see a doctor
A feeling of redness or bruising on the breast can last a week or a little longer after clearing the congestion or treated mastitis. Still, if you are worried or if you think your blockage or infection is not getting better, make an appointment to see your doctor. In some cases, you may need another course of antibiotics or additional help, such as abscess drainage.
If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy to rule out inflammatory breast cancer. This rare form of cancer can sometimes cause mastitis-like symptoms such as swelling and redness.
Prevention of blocked milk ducts
Because blocked ducts are often caused by a boost in milk, you want to make sure you feed or pump your baby often. Experts recommend 8 to 12 times a day, especially in the first days of breastfeeding.
You can also try:
- massaging your breasts during feeding / pumping sessions to promote drainage
- skipping tight clothing or bras to make some room for your breasts to breathe (best wear is best though!)
- loosening tight baby carrier straps (same idea, but obviously make sure baby is safe)
- breastfeeding positions that change from time to time to ensure that suction hits all channels
- applying a warm / moist compress to the areas of the breast that are prone to congestion before feeding
- applying a cool compress to the breasts after sessions
- asking your doctor about lecithin supplements (some women say they help with recurring problems)
Cracked nipples and milk duct openings can provide an easy entryway for bacteria from your skin or your baby’s mouth to enter your breast. So, make sure you keep your breasts clean and dry, and try using something like lanolin cream to protect your broken nipples.
And although it may seem impossible, take care of yourself as much as possible, especially if you have a newborn baby.
Even if you know you’re going to be fed a few hours later, seek help, sneak up on some naps, or go to bed early. In general, do all the self-care stuff that helps you avoid feeling sluggish.
Result
Clogged milk ducts can be uncomfortable and uncomfortable – but keep it up. Usually, you can clean the plug at home without developing the infection or needing other intervention.
If the congestion persists despite your efforts for more than 2 days – or if you often have problems – consider making an appointment with a breastfeeding counselor (breastfeeding specialist) or your doctor. You can change some things in your diet to help your breasts be emptied better.
If you develop mastitis, your doctor can help by prescribing medication and giving you other suggestions for avoiding future infections. As mastitis can recur, be sure to see a doctor as soon as you suspect there may be an infection so you can treat it immediately.
