What is a clogged (plugged) milk duct?

A clogged milk duct, officially known as a “plugged” milk duct is essentially a hard lump in the breast that can be painful for breastfeeding moms. Basically, milk is not getting out the way it should.

How do I know if I have a plugged milk duct?

• You are breastfeeding and have a hard, tender and/or painful lump on your breast
  
• A white dot or “bleb” on the nipple, also known as a milk blister
  
• In addition to feeding challenges, other things might make you more likely to get this:
  
  • Previous breast surgery or biopsy
    
  • Wearing “tight clothing” and bras that don’t fit (…but how “tight” is exactly defined it…not detailed at best.)
    
• IMPORTANT: If there is redness or you have a fever or any flu-like symptoms, you may have mastitis. This needs treatment by a medical professional! Call your doctor.

Are plugged milk ducts common?

Almost every article said plugged milk ducts were common, but exact numbers were rarely included. A 2011 study of 117 breastfeeding women found that 4.5% reported plugged milk ducts, but 67.5% reported mastitis, which is often a condition that can follow a plugged milk duct. Another study from 2002 of 946 women found only 9.5% reported mastitis, but a broad review of all available studies found mastitis could affect as many as 33% of breastfeeding women.

In summary: The numbers are all over the place. If you are experiencing this, know you are not alone, and see the perspectives from parents who have experienced this below.

Is there consensus on treatment/approaches/etc.?

Yes. All of the sources we combed through generally agreed that clogged milk ducts, technically known as “plugged” ducts, are common and can be fixed at home through a variety of techniques, detailed below.

How do I get rid of plugged milk ducts?

• More feeding — It certainly isn’t easy, especially if you are pain, but one of the most frequently cited ways to clear a plugged milk duct was nursing, especially from the breast that has the blocked duct first. That’s because babies tend to have greater suction on the first breast.
  
• Latch — It is absolutely NOT easy to get a squirmy newborn with little neck control onto your nipple, but if you have a blocked duct many articles noted that it might be due to latch issues. They recommended changing positions, and/or seeking a consult with a lactation consultant, pediatrician or other breastfeeding expert.
  
• Massage — Many places also recommended trying to massage plugged milk duct, starting at the chest and moving towards the nipple. Using olive oil or some other lubricant was also occasionally recommended.
  
• Warm compress — Lastly, using a warm compress, taking a warm bath or applying heat to the breast and plugged milk ducts before nursing or trying to massage the duct was also recommended in a few places.

What would we like to know more of?

• Many places recommend “more frequent” feeding, but rarely elaborate on how to tell that your baby is feeding enough. The most frequent recommendation is feeding every one to three hours, but if you are already doing that and have a plugged milk duct, know you are not alone and we feel your pain.
  
• We are on the hunt for good instructional videos on how to massage a plugged milk duct and to improve your latch! If you have recommendations let me know at [email protected].

What do other parents say?

“I too deal with clogged milk ducts on one side often. What works for me is ~ apply olive oil to a cotton ball and then place it om your nipple, next apply heat for about 30min (as hot as u can stand it), next pump like crazy…the highest setting u can tolerate. This has helped me more than once. You can even use the olive oil on a cotton ball as a preventive. Lastly try to get in touch with a lc. If you can’t for whatever reason look up LLL in your area. I have called both and both have found them very helpful at all times of the day and night. Hope this helps in some (or big) way :)”Jenell, What To Expect

“I was going through the same thing except for the mastitis. I have tried everything and every position.  What I finally found that worked for me was having therapeutic ultrasound.  It’s done at a physical therapist’s office.  It didn’t hurt and it was a short appt (15-20 mins).  I’ve only had 2 sessions and both eventually worked out the blocked duct.”Jules, What To Expect

“I was told to submerge my breast in warm (not hot) salty water in the kitchen sink then massage the duct. Do this so that you express milk into the water. You may get little chunks of milk out. Alternate with ice to reduce swelling. This helped me. Also, take 1200mg Lecithin 3 times per day.” LM, What To Expect

What sources did we check out?

Romper

• Format – Traditional article
• Sources – IBCLC nurse, doula, linking to Kelly Mom and BabyCenter

PureWow via Yahoo

• Format – Listicle
• Sources – No sources listed, possible sponsored content

VeryWell Family 

• Format: Listicle
• Sources: Written by a nurse, signed off by doctor in 2015. Linking to AAP, La Leche, breastfeeding books (for clinician and parent), Australian Breastfeeding Association, USDA

HealthyChildren.Org

• Format: One pager
• Sources: New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding, 2nd Edition (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics)

Tinyhood

• Format: Listicle
• Sources: Lactation consultant