Treatment and Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

In this article we discuss:

Why do I keep getting clogged milk ducts?

What are the symptoms of clogged milk ducts?

How can you prevent clogged milk ducts?

Clogged milk duct vs. mastitis: How can you tell the difference?

What are the symptoms of Mastitis?

Common Cause of Blocked Breast Milk Ducts

Breastfeeding isn’t always sunshine and flowers. One of the most common and painful issues is a blocked or clogged milk duct, if left untreated this could lead to breast infections and Mastitis, which then requires a visit to the GP and possibly antibiotics.

Blocked milk ducts happen when a milk duct in your breast gets clogged or has poor drainage and inhibits the milk flow. It can occur if your breast isn’t completely emptied after a feed, if your baby skips a feed if you or your baby are having breastfeeding difficulties, or if you’re under stress — which can be common in new mums. Tight clothing or constrictive clothing can also cause unnecessary pressure.

What are the symptoms of clogged breast milk ducts?

Symptoms can come on slowly and generally affect just one breast.
You may experience:

a tender lump in one area of your breast
engorgement around the lump
breast pain
thickened milk
pain or swelling near the lump or clogged duct which results in a tender breast
discomfort that subsides after feeding/pumping
pain during letdown
milk blisters/plug (nipple bleb) on the nipple pore or skin surrounding the nipple
sore nipples
It’s also common to see a temporary decrease in your milk supply or milk production when you have a clog.

How can I prevent clogged milk ducts in the future?
Continue frequent breastfeeding - frequent feedings will help for drainage so be sure not to skip a feeding session or leave too many hours between breastfeeding sessions. The idea is to aid the removal of milk and to continue draining the breast frequently. Breastfeeding moms should start the feed with the affected breast to ensure it’s fully drained. Using a scheduled feeding plan may help your baby get used to specific feeding times. Using a breast pump to express milk may also help.
Use of warm water: Soak your breast in a warm shower or hot bath, and try a gentle massage for the breast or apply a warm compress such as a heating pad. The heat from the hot showers dilates the blood vessels which increase the blood flow to the area and relaxes the surrounding muscles. An electric toothbrush can also come in handy as a tool to vibrate and massage around the clogged area. Alternatively going for a therapeutic breast massage can also help to ease discomfort and encourage flow and drainage.
Vary breastfeeding or nursing positions. Sometimes moving around allows your baby to latch easier and increase suction during feeding to better reach the clog.

Clogged breast duct vs. mastitis: How can you tell the difference?

What is Mastitis?

Milk stasis is a primary cause of mastitis. Mastitis, an inflammation of the breast, is secondary to milk stasis.

What are the Symptoms of Mastitis?

Mastitis symptoms may include a red, swollen area on one breast (usually not both) that can feel hot and painful when you touch it. (nct.org.uk)

Symptoms may come on suddenly and include:

redness and fever of 38.3C (101F) or higher
flu-like symptoms (chills and body ache)
warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the whole breast lump
reduced flow of milk
thickened breast tissue and/or burning sensation around the area

When should I go to the doctor for a clogged milk duct?

*IMPORTANT NOTE*: If your blocked ducts are accompanied by a fever, intense pain, and swollen, red breasts, or if you have a history of mastitis you should consult your doctor immediately. This could be a huge risk factor for further bacterial infection and signs of infection should be closely monitored not to compromise your health. In this case, although not ideal, antibiotics might be needed.

If you can’t seem to unblock this by yourself, here at The Osteopathic Centre, we have various treatment options to reduce the risk of further complications, including therapeutic ultrasound, to ease the discomfort of blocked ducts.

Why not speak to one of our experienced Osteopaths to see if we could help?