Plugged milk ducts, also called clogged milk ducts or blocked milk ducts, are hard, tender lumps that form in the narrow milk ducts of the breast. They prevent the flow of breast milk. Plugged milk ducts are a common breastfeeding problem, and they can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the area of the breast where they develop. Show
Causes of Clogged Milk DuctsThese common breastfeeding issues can lead to a blocked duct. In most cases, you can resolve these to prevent future problems.
PreventionTo keep milk ducts from clogging in the first place, breastfeed your baby often. To keep your breast milk flowing through your breasts and prevent it from backing up in the ducts, you need to remove it regularly and frequently. Do not skip feedings or wait too long between feedings. Change breastfeeding positions with each feeding to allow your baby to drain different areas of your breast. Avoid restrictive clothing and nursing bras that are too tight or have an underwire, and do not sleep on your stomach. All of these can put pressure on your breasts. It's also important to stay hydrated. When it is time to wean your baby, try to do so gradually. You may need to express small amounts of milk in between feedings to relieve engorgement. But don't express too much, or you'll signal to your body that it should continue making milk. Treatment for Clogged Milk DuctsContinuing to breastfeed can help clear the block. Certain positions and techniques may help. It's almost important to get enough rest and stay hydrated. Breastfeed OftenFirst, make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Seek the advice of a lactation consultant, your doctor, or a breastfeeding support group if you need help with your baby's latch. Breastfeed often—every one to three hours, or on-demand—to keep your breast milk flowing through the ducts. If it's not too painful, start feeding your baby on the side with the plugged milk duct first. Your child's suck will be stronger at the beginning of a feeding, which may help to remove the clogged milk. If that breast is too tender, begin the feeding on the opposite breast and wait until after the let-down reflex is stimulated. Then switch to the breast with the plug. When you're latching your child onto your breast, try to position them so that their nose or chin is toward the plugged duct. They may be better able to dislodge the blockage in these positions. Apply HeatApply heat to the clogged area before each feeding to help with your let-down reflex and the flow of your breast milk through your ducts. Gently massage the affected area while applying heat, and while you're breastfeeding your baby. See your doctor or a lactation specialist to learn how to use therapeutic breast massage and use it at home to help prevent and manage plugged milk ducts. Express MilkUse hand expression or a breast pump after you breastfeed your child to remove more breast milk and try to free the blockage. It's important to empty the breast of breast milk as completely as you can. SupplementsAsk your doctor about taking a lecithin supplement. Lecithin is a nutritional supplement that is safe to take while you're breastfeeding. It is believed to help resolve and prevent plugged milk ducts. A typical dose is one tablespoon of granulated or liquid lecithin each day, or one capsule (1200 mg) three or four times a day. Chiropractic ultrasound therapy can also help relieve the symptoms of plugged milk ducts. When to Call Your DoctorWhen treated right away, a plugged milk duct usually begins to get smaller or go away within a few days. Left untreated, it can get worse and lead to more serious complications, such as mastitis or a breast abscess. Call your doctor if:
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Donna Murray, RN, BSN Thanks for your feedback! How do you prevent clogged ducts when baby is sleeping through the night?As your baby starts sleeping longer, it's a good idea to get into the habit of pumping or nursing right before going to sleep yourself (think: dream feed for you both!). If your breasts become engorged as the baby sleeps, pump or hand express milk to get relief and take notice of the time.
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.
Do I need to pump at night when baby sleeps through the night?Do I need to pump in the middle of the night? Most women do not need to pump during the period of time that their baby is sleeping at night. However, some women may find that long stretches without breastfeeding or pumping can result in a lower milk supply.
How is milk supply affected when baby sleeps through night?Overnight, your prolactin levels – the hormone designed to support milk production – are at their highest. So, when your baby feeds frequently at night, the message to your body to boost milk supply is even stronger.
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