Are you feeding your little one and something isn’t feeling right? Not sure if you have a clogged milk duct? Well, you are in luck. This blog post will give you some signs to look for to know if you have it as well as information on how to fix the issue.
Clogged milk ducts happen when milk in your breast gets blocked or there is poor drainage. This can happen if you are not completely emptied after feeding, skip a feeding, or are under stress.
Symptoms of a Clogged Milk Duct
- A lump in one area of your breast (that may move around)
- Breast engorgement
- Pain or swelling near the lump
- Discomfort after feeding or pumping
- Pain during your letdown
You might also see a temporary decrease in your milk supply during this time. Also, you may notice that your milk is a little thicker or ‘fattier’ (stringy or grainy) when you express it.
It’s super important to know that a clogged milk duct will not fix itself. If it isn’t treated, it can lead to mastitis. The only way to cure mastitis is medication from your doctor (note – we will discuss the symptoms of mastitis in a future blog).
How to Treat a Clogged Milk Duct
- Massage your breast, mainly when you are feeding and pumping. When you massage your breast, you want to start at the outside of your breast and then apply pressure with your fingers as you move toward the plug. You can massage your breast while in the shower or bath if it is easier.
- Do not stop breastfeeding and pumping during this time. You want to continue to drain your breast frequently.
- Start to feed your baby on the side of the clogged duct first. Your baby will suck harder when they first start to feed so they can get more milk out, which will help unclog your breast.
- Consider soaking your breast in a bowl of warm water and then massage the clog.
- Think about changing the positions you feed in. This will allow your baby to have different suction positions to get more milk out.
We at Family Futures want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, feel free to reach out to one of our Family Support Navigators at navigation@familyfutures.net or contact us on our website. We have a Lactation Consultant that would love to help. If not us, we also recommend breastfeeding support from our friends at Bump to Birth Doula Services. We would both love to support you in your breastfeeding journey!
