Treatment For Clogged Milk Duct

Find out 10 common reasons for a clogged milk duct and 8 easy ways to treat the clog and let your milk flow again.

Treatment for clogged milk duct.

A plugged or blocked duct is an area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed. Without treatment a plugged duct can lead to a breast infection or worse so take these steps to get the milk flowing again. Not only is breastfeeding safe with a plugged duct it s the best way to get rid of a clog. The nipple pore may be blocked see milk blister or the obstruction may be further back in the ductal system.

The breasts contain a series of ducts that carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipples when a woman is breastfeeding. A clogged duct can cause intense pain swelling and itchiness. When you feel a lump on your breast from a clogged milk duct it is an inflammatory response to the duct. The duct may also fill with fluid and become blocked or clogged with a thick sticky substance.

Mammary duct ectasia occurs when one or more milk ducts beneath the nipple becomes wider dilated. A clogged milk duct is when the milk is backed up inside it which can make pumping and nursing excruciatingly painful says leigh anne o connor ibclc a certified lactation consultant in new york if the blocked milk duct isn t resolved quickly it can lead to bigger issues such as inflammation a condition known as mastitis and an all out milk stoppage which in turn can lead. You might experience one if your breast isn t completely emptied after a feed. What s a clogged milk duct.

When this happens the tissue around the duct may become swollen and inflamed and press on the duct causing a blockage. Plugged milk ducts also called clogged milk ducts or blocked milk ducts are hard tender lumps that form in the narrow milk ducts of the breast they prevent the flow of breast milk plugged milk ducts are a common breastfeeding problem and they can cause swelling redness and pain in the area of the breast where they develop. Plugged milk ducts are painful and can lead to mastitis without proper treatment. I would always ice for 10 minutes in between feedings because it would provide the relief and discomfort i always had around that time.

A plugged duct usually comes on gradually and affects only one breast. Plus learn about breastfeeding supplements that help prevent the clog in the future. Ice will help reduce any swelling and help the duct become less restricted to allow clearing.