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Breastfeeding Problems: Plugged Ducts

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KEY POINTS

  • A plugged duct is blocked milk duct in your breast that can get infected. It needs to be unblocked as soon as possible.
  • Your healthcare provider or lactation consultant will suggest some things you can do to unplug your duct. You may need antibiotic medicine.
  • Breastfeed your baby often, and drain each breast well every time. Talk with your lactation consultant or healthcare provider about how to prevent plugged milk ducts.

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What is a plugged duct?

A plugged duct is a blocked milk duct in your breast. Because a plugged duct can get infected, it needs to be unblocked as soon as possible.

What is the cause?

Plugged ducts are most often caused by not draining your breasts often enough or well enough. A plugged duct can also be caused by stress or a tight bra.

What are the symptoms?

A plugged duct feels like a hard, tender lump in your breast.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you.

How is it treated?

Your healthcare provider or lactation consultant will suggest some things you can do to unplug your duct. When the plugged duct unclogs, you may feel a burning or pinching.

If you have breast redness, severe pain, or a fever and flu-like symptoms along with your plugged duct, you could have a breast infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to treat an infection.

How can I take care of myself?

Here are some things you can do to help unplug the duct:

  • Feed your baby on the tender side first, when your baby is hungrier and sucks more strongly. This will allow better draining of that breast. Position your baby so his or her chin points to the area where your breast feels hard.
  • Gently massage the breast where you have a lump to express extra milk and help unplug the duct.
  • Between nursing sessions use moist heat on your breast to help your milk flow. The best way to use moist heat is to soak in a warm bath while massaging your breast and expressing milk. You can also lean over a basin of warm water and gently massage your breast. A hot shower, a warm washcloth, or a heating pad can also be helpful.
  • Sleep on your side instead of your back.

A milk blister (bleb) is usually a painful white dot on the nipple or areola. It may be caused by thickened milk that blocks the flow of milk at the nipple. Sometimes a bit of skin can grow over the nipple opening and milk backs up behind causing the blister. Here are some things you can do to open or unplug the blister:

  • Apply a warm moist cloth on the nipple before feeding your baby. Sucking may open the blister.
  • Soak your nipple in warm water.
  • Wear a cotton ball soaked in olive oil in your bra to soften the skin Then, using clean hands, attempt to peel away the thickened layer of skin.
  • Compress your nipple behind the blockage to try to express the block.

If these things don’t work, call your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for help.

How can I help prevent plugged ducts?

  • Breastfeed often. Don’t skip feedings or let your breasts get hard, lumpy, and overly full.
  • Drain each breast well each time.
  • Avoid tight bras that don’t fit well.
  • Drink plenty of liquids including water.
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Try to get plenty of rest and learn ways to manage stress.
  • If your milk ducts get plugged often, taking a supplement called lecithin may prevent it from happening again. Talk with your lactation consultant or healthcare provider about this.
Developed by Change Healthcare.
Pediatric Advisor 2022.1 published by Change Healthcare.
Last modified: 2021-09-27
Last reviewed: 2019-11-19
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries
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