Clogged Milk Ducts

If you're making breast milk faster than it's getting expressed, it can get backed up in the duct. Clogged ducts can happen if your breasts are not getting completely emptied of milk on a regular basis.

To help prevent clogged ducts, avoid long stretches between feedings and make sure your nursing bras fit well and don't have underwires, which can compress milk ducts.

Nurse, nurse, nurse! Here are some tips that can help:

1.    Start with the sore breast. If it's not too painful, nurse on the side with the clogged duct first because your baby sucks strongest at the beginning and that may help dislodge the plug. If your baby doesn't want to nurse enough to empty the breast on that side, use a breast pump.

2.    Applying warm compresses before nursing can help open the ducts and relieve pain and swelling.

3.    Many women swear by this trick: Position your baby at your breast with his chin pointed toward the sore spot, and then have him latch on and begin nursing. This directs suction at the clogged duct.

4.    Eat well and drink water. 

Sometimes your milk flow on the affected side may be slower than usual, and your baby may become fussy when nursing on that breast. But it won't hurt your baby to nurse while you have a clogged duct and the antibacterial properties of breast milk will keep your baby safe from bacteria, even if you develop an infection.

It's the best way to get the duct unclogged. If your breast still hurts after trying rest, heat, massage and frequent nursing for 24 hours, call your healthcare provider. 

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