15 Ways to Clear a Clogged Milk Duct
Women who have successfully cleared their clogged milk ducts share how they did it…
A clogged milk ducts (also sometimes called a blocked duct or plugged duct) is a common issue that can occur during breastfeeding.
It’s like a milk traffic jam in your boob! Your milk flow gets blocked, and your nipple is like, "nope, not today!"
And let me tell you, it's more painful than stepping on a Lego. Ouch!
To make matters worse, these milk jams can be a real pain in the boob to get rid of. It's like trying to unclog a toilet with a toothbrush.
But fear not, because a group of veteran breastfeeding mamas have come together to share their secrets on how to unclog that milk jam and get things flowing again.
(this post may contain affiliate links)
What Causes Clogged Ducts?
Blocked ducts are like the evil villains of the breastfeeding world, and they can be caused by all sorts of mischief.
Inflammation and swelling are the culprits, narrowing the space for your precious milk to travel.
Taking antibiotics can cause them to appear.
And let's not forget about the importance of keeping those milk ducts flowing regularly. If you miss a feeding or pumping session, you might just awaken the beast - a clogged duct that is!
Also everyday irritants, like a bra that's too tight or sleeping in the wrong position, can cause a clogged duct.
Sometimes, these clogs seem to pop up out of nowhere, like a surprise party you didn't RSVP for.
But fear not, we'll help you kick them out and get your milk flowing again!
What are the symptoms of a clogged duct? How do I know if I have one?
You might feel a small, hard, and painful lump that's causing chaos in your breast.
The area around it might be feeling hot and bothered (red, warm to the touch, and sore)
More tender breast before pumping or feeding, with some relief afterwards.
Usually, only one breast is affected.
Milk flow might slow down like a turtle on tranquilizers
Breastfeeding sure is a wild ride!
15 Ways To Clear A Clogged Duct
Advice from breastfeeding veterans…
aka boob whisperers
“Frequent nursing, pumping and lots of massaging. It took at least 24 hours for it to resolve. Watch for signs of mastitis.”
-Jackie F.
“Hot shower. Massage in the hot shower. Then pump or feed immediately after while still massaging.”
-Lea Y.
“Start taking Lecithin ASAP! It’s a natural supplement that will lubricate your milk ducts and resolve and help prevent future clogs.”
-Katie C.
THIS is our favorite brand of lecithin. It’s non GMO, super affordable, and works like a charm.
“Vibration always helped my stubborn clogs.”
-Destiny W.
“I rub the clog with my palm while pumping. If I don’t pull it out after 15 to 20 minutes I stop for about an hour, put heat pad on it, and then try again.”
-Jessica W.
“You can feed your baby on their back so you’re facing the floor or you can pump in this same way to allow gravity to help as well. Ibuprofen always helped tremendously with the pain. And nurse, nurse, nurse!
-Alison J.
“Massage that area firmly while baby nurses on that side.”
-Bridget C.
Check out this magical boob tool! It's like a superhero that swoops in to save the day when your milk ducts are clogged. It also helps you squeeze out even more milk while you're breastfeeding or pumping.
“Put warm washcloths on your breast prior to breastfeeding, or take warm shower prior to breastfeeding, then while breastfeeding your baby massage the breast/lump towards nipple.”
-Emma O.
“Use a wide tooth comb and ‘comb out’ the clog.”
-Katie W.
“Electric toothbrush on the clog and then pump or nurse! Always worked like a charm for me!”
-Shelby C.
“Take a diaper and fill it with hot water and use it as a compress!”
-Noelle M.
“A heating pad and just keep baby feeding off the clogged breast. It's gonna hurt but it will unclog eventually. I practically slept on my heating pads when I got clogs. The heat helps a lot.”
-Destiny C.
“As weird as it sounds, I’ve heard a lot of women say that they had their partner suck it out. A much stronger suction power than baby or pump.”
-Chelsea M.
“Drink lots of water, avoid tight bras, underwire, heavy lifting, and laying on that side until it clears.”
-Tiffany H.
“The only thing that’s worked for me every time, is dangle feeding while massaging really fast.”
-Dreya C.
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Hopefully now when you encounter a painful plugged duct - you’ll know EXACTLY what to do!
Related post: How to Prevent Clogged Milk Ducts
