Many women experience clogged milk ducts at some point in their breastfeeding journeys. If addressed quickly, a clogged duct can be resolved relatively easily without medical intervention. However, some clogged ducts can turn into mastitis. Show
In this piece, I’ll explain everything from what a milk duct is to what you can do to prevent or relieve a clogged duct and keep mastitis at bay. Before I dive into how to get rid of a clogged duct, some background information: What is a milk duct?A milk duct is a pathway for breast milk to travel through the breast and out the nipple. What is a clogged duct?A clogged duct (also referred to as a blocked duct or plugged duct) happens when milk becomes stagnant in the duct. What is mastitis?Mastitis (aka lactational mastitis, lactation mastitis) is inflammation of the breast tissue. This inflammation may or may not involve an infection. What are some symptoms of blocked ducts?Symptoms of blocked milk ducts can include breast tenderness, breast pain, nipple pain, redness, heat, decreased milk supply, tender lumps, and palpable lumps. Occasionally, babies will be fussy at the breast due to the decreased flow of milk caused by the blockage. When a clog has dislodged, you may express stringy clumps of milk, although you might not notice them unless you’re pumping or hand expressing. This milk is safe for your baby to consume. What are some symptoms of mastitis?Women who experience mastitis may have the symptoms above along with flu-like symptoms such as fever (101.3 °F or above), chills, fatigue, and an overall unwell feeling. What causes plugged milk ducts?
What causes mastitis?
If you feel like you may have a clogged duct, recurring clogged ducts, or mastitis and your symptoms aren’t subsiding with proper management, it’s important to act quickly and reach out to an IBCLC, your OBGYN, your primary care provider, or other healthcare professionals for a physical exam, further assessment, and treatment for mastitis or a plugged duct. If a blocked duct isn’t managed in a timely manner, it could result in mastitis and, potentially, breast abscess, a collection of pus in the breast caused by an infection, or other breast diseases. Certain illnesses like inflammatory breast cancer can share symptoms of mastitis, so make sure you inform your medical team if your mastitis is not recovering after treatment. While clogged ducts and mastitis can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean your breastfeeding journey has to come to an end. Until you heal or treat clogged ducts, your milk supply may dip, but it should rebound quickly after the clog has resolved, allowing you and your baby to breastfeed for as long as you both desire. Additional Resources:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice reviewed by medical reviewers. Please reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or your health care team with any questions. Will I get mastitis if my baby sleeps through the night?Usually occurs within the first six weeks of breastfeeding, but can occur anytime. Often starts with engorgement. May occur the first time your baby sleeps through the night and/or goes an unusually long time between feedings. Onset is sudden with intense pain in one breast, rarely in both breasts.
How do I stop my milk ducts from clogging?Prevention of plugged ducts, mastitis. Create a frequent feeding schedule and empty each breast completely. ... . Establish a good latch at every feeding to empty the breast better and prevent damaging the nipple.. Breastfeed in different positions to allow for more thorough emptying of the breast.. Can baby sleeping on chest cause clogged ducts?Unnecessary pressure on the breasts: Tight clothing (including a tight nursing bra), diaper bag straps, baby carriers, and sleeping on your stomach can all put pressure on your breasts, which could lead to clogged ducts.
Why do my milk ducts keep clogging?Again, the root cause of plugged milk ducts is usually something that prevents the breast from draining fully. This may be anything from pressure on your breast from a too-tight sports bra or feedings that are too infrequent. Clogged ducts and mastitis may even be caused by the way you feed your baby.
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