Blocked Ducts During Breastfeeding

Your ducts are the tiny tubes that carry milk from tissues deep in your breast to your nipple. Muscle cells squeeze milk along the ducts, creating a flow of milk each time your baby feeds.

Blocked ducts usually mean that the milk is not moving well in a part of your breast. Mastitis is inflammation in your breast tissues.

When you have a blocked duct, you may develop a painful lump in your breast. Blocked, inflamed ducts are most often caused by a back-up of milk in your breasts. Your baby does not drain your breasts often enough, your milk flow is obstructed because you're wearing tight clothing, your baby carrier squashes your breasts. Your milk can become backed up whether you're feeding or not if there's continuous pressure on your breasts.



Your baby will still get the milk she needs, though the milk flow in your affected breast may be slower than usual. Encourage your baby to feed from your affected breast as this will help to speed up any slow-moving milk.

Your baby may even remove the bleb herself while feeding. Keep breastfeeding your baby from your affected breast, if you can, even if it’s uncomfortable. Once your baby is feeding well, your milk should flow freely through your breasts.


If feeding hurts too much, you could try expressing. Feed your baby often, and try not to leave long gaps between feeds.
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