Plugged Ducts

Plugged ducts occur when milk fails to drain properly from a breast—either due to a poor latch, trying to schedule feedings, or a wearing a poorly-fitting bra.

Usually plugged ducts affect just one breast and feel like a hard lump that may be red or swollen. Unlike mastitis, plugged ducts don’t usually occur with a fever or flu-like symptoms.

While plugged ducts are annoying, they are easily treated by making sure the affected breast gets drained well at each feeding. Follow the old adage of “heat, massage, rest, empty breast.”

Before a nursing session begins, apply moist heat and use a heating pad between feedings. Massage the breast in a circular motion before offering it to baby to expel any blocked milk secretions.

Get plenty of rest (which you should be doing anyways) and, again, make sure to properly drain your breasts.

For a stubborn plugged duct, try angling the baby’s chin towards the sore spot. You might have to hold him or her upside down to accomplish this, but it can help.

Getting in the shower and allowing the hot water to run down on your sore breast, massaging with the palm of your hand from armpit down to the nipple, can also help.