When you breastfeed your baby, milk arrives at the nipple through a network of milk ducts. These can sometimes become blocked, causing milk flow to be blocked and hard lumps form in the breast. If you think you have a blocked milk duct, fear not! You can still continue to breastfeed your baby while trying to unblock him.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if there are any lumps in your breast
If you are breastfeeding and notice a hard lump in your breast, you may have a blocked duct, especially if it is sensitive to touch.
Step 2. Look for a red wedge-shaped area
The breast with the lump may also have a red, wedge-shaped, swollen or congested area. It can feel hot to the touch, cause discomfort or pain.
Step 3. Notice if you feel pain while breastfeeding
If you have a blocked duct, your breasts may hurt as your baby sucks on that side, especially at the beginning of the feed. The pain may lessen or disappear after feeding.
Step 4. Watch out for fever
Many women don't get a fever when they have a blocked duct, but some do. In addition, a fever can signal that there is an infection or the onset of mastitis. If you have a fever, call your doctor.
Part 2 of 4: Identify the Causes
Step 1. Know that a blocked duct can indicate breastfeeding problems
The main cause of blocked ducts is that the sinus is not emptied regularly and completely. This can happen for several reasons, including breastfeeding problems. If your baby fails to latch onto the breast effectively, does not eat often enough, or does not empty the breast, your ducts can become blocked.
You don't need to worry too much if you have a blocked duct, but it's always best to consult a lactation expert or pediatrician to make sure your baby is healthy, sturdy, and feeding properly
Step 2. Make sure you are using a strong enough breast pump
If you are pumping, make sure you use a pump that is strong enough to empty your breasts completely, otherwise the milk will remain in the ducts and could clog them.
You should invest in a good quality breast pump, perhaps a hospital-grade one with an electric double pump. Ask your accountant about tax deductions or whether it can be paid by your health insurance if you have one
Step 3. Examine your clothing
If you wear a nursing bra that doesn't fit well and squeezes your breasts, you could trap milk in the ducts and cause blockages.
Step 4. Understand the role of disease
When you are sick, normal rhythms are disrupted. Maybe you get more sleep and you may not be pumping or breastfeeding your baby as usual. Sometimes this can cause the ducts to become blocked.
Similarly, if the child is sick he will most likely have less appetite. When the baby feeds less, even for just a few days, he can leave too much milk in the breast causing an obstruction
Step 5. Know that weaning your baby suddenly can cause the ducts to become blocked
If you stop breastfeeding altogether (instead of doing it gradually) you risk causing blockages.
If for any reason you decide to stop breastfeeding, you can still use the breast pump in the following days, in decreasing quantities, to allow the breast to gradually decrease its production
Part 3 of 4: Remedies
Step 1. Continue to breastfeed
If you are breastfeeding with a blocked duct you may feel pain or discomfort, but the best way to fix this is to continue breastfeeding. Try to get that breast empty completely, and the symptoms will surely subside.
Step 2. Begin feeding from the affected breast
If you can, start feeding from the breast with a blocked duct to make sure it empties completely. Babies tend to suck harder at the beginning of the feed when they are very hungry. The force exerted by the suction could unblock the duct.
Step 3. Change the location
Place the baby in different positions during the feed to ensure that all ducts are emptied.
Some experts recommend placing the baby so that the chin is facing the painful area. You may have to lie down or hold the baby differently than usual to do this, but it may help you unblock the duct
Step 4. If necessary, use the breast pump
If your baby is unable to empty the breast, use a breast pump to pump out the remaining milk. You can also express milk with your hand; the important thing is to completely empty the breast.
Step 5. Get a massage
Gently but firmly, massage from the outside of the breast towards the nipple. Massage can help unclog the ducts and get the milk flowing.
Step 6. Apply warm compresses before feeding
The heat can help open the ducts and let the milk flow. Try putting compresses (gauze, a small towel) soaked in warm water on your breasts for a few minutes before starting to feed.
- Instead of using the tablets, you could take a lukewarm bath or shower.
- You can also fill a basin with warm water and soak your breasts. When the water starts to be milky, do a gentle massage to help release the obstruction.
Step 7. Experiment with hot or cold packs
Some women feel relief with warm compresses, while others prefer cold ones. Both are fine, so try to see which one helps you the most.
Step 8. Ask your doctor about pain relievers
Most doctors believe ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for women who are breastfeeding. If your doctor agrees, you can relieve the discomfort by taking the recommended dose every four hours.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Further Problems
Step 1. Feed your baby regularly
If you are not trying to wean the baby, the best way to avoid blockage of the ducts is to not let the milk accumulate in the breast for too long. Feed the baby often.
Step 2. Pump out excess milk
If you miss a feed or the baby is unable to empty the breast completely, pump the excess milk by hand or with the pump.
Step 3. Put on a soft, well-sized nursing bra
An underwire bra could compress the ducts, just like a nursing bra of the wrong size or shape. Look for a comfortable style that suits you.
Step 4. Don't sleep on your stomach
Risks of compressing the milk ducts.
Step 5. Take lecithin
Some studies indicate that lecithin - one tablespoon of granules or one 1,200 mg capsule three times a day - can help avoid blockage of the ducts.
Advice
- A blocked duct can degenerate into mastitis (a painful inflammation of the breast), so don't ignore it. Call your doctor if the steps above don't relieve your symptoms or if you get a fever, which could be a sign of an infection.
- Some women worry about breastfeeding with a blocked duct, but fear not - it is not dangerous for the baby, in fact it is one of the best remedies for the problem. Even if you get an infection, breast milk has antibacterial properties that will protect the baby.
