Treat Clogged Milk Ducts Fast, Here’s Why!
What are clogged milk ducts? Sometimes a milk duct can become clogged, causing milk to back up and resulting in a red and tender lump. Although a clogged duct itself isn’t serious, it can lead to a breast infection if you ignore it. So, what causes clogged milk ducts? When the duct isn’t draining properly (or often enough) during nursing or pumping, the milk ducts can become clogged. The pressure that builds up behind the clog causes the tissue to inflame, and it feels like a (tender and painful) small marble has lodged its way right into your breast!
How to treat clogged milk ducts: Don’t give up! Breastfeeding keeps milk flowing, which will eventually unclog the duct. In the meantime, apply a warm compress before each feeding and massage just the lump while you’re nursing. (Massaging more than that can stimulate more milk production.) Once your baby is done, drain the affected breast, either manually or with a breast pump. You can help prevent blocked milk ducts by soaking your breasts several times a day in a bath or basin of warm water. Here’s the real bummer: If you do nothing, the clog isn’t likely to fix itself. Instead, it may progress into an infection called mastitis. Take note that fever is not a symptom you’ll experience with a clogged milk duct. If you have pain and other symptoms accompanied by fever, you may have an infection.
