When you are in the throws of postpartum, the last thing you want to deal with is breast discomforts - especially if you are hanging onto the hope of an easeful breastfeeding journey after a difficult birth experience. Clogged milk ducts are a very common occurrence that catches many new moms by surprise. Most of the time clogged ducts are short-lived, but can result in pain and frustration, especially if they are recurring. Here, we will explore a how to prevent and resolve clogged ducts so that you can rest assured and continue on with a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.
What are Clogged Ducts?
Your breast tissue consists of many tube-like pathways (ducts) that connect many milk-producing glands to your nipple. You might think of this anatomy like a tree, with your glands being the leaves, ducts being the branches, and your nipple being the trunk. Although your milk is a liquid, it has a fatty constitution. As your milk travels through your ducts, some of these dissolved solids can build up and create what we call a clogged duct.
Identifying Clogged Ducts
Clogged ducts feel like a localized fullness and generalized discomfort to one part of your breast, and may include mild to extreme tenderness to the touch, with movement, or otherwise. A clogged duct is not an infection and does not cause redness, fever, or require antibacterial treatment like mastitis. Clogged ducts do not interfere with milk transfer to your baby, because you have many ducts that carry milk through your breast tissue.
Preventing Clogged Ducts
I'm of the belief that most moms experience a mild clog at least once during their breastfeeding journeys if they've breastfed beyond the first few weeks, but this does not mean that clogged ducts are not preventable. Here's what you can do:
Feed your baby on demand to keep the milk flowing and prevent engorgement.
Change nursing positions each time you latch to encourage all of your breast tissue to drain evenly throughout the day.
Practice daily breast massage to encourage lymphatic and milk movement.
Prioritize comfortable, relaxed clothing and bras that support but do not constrict you - or embrace your topless era!
If you use a breast pump, double check that your flanges are a good size for your body and be mindful not to rush your pump sessions with high-intensity settings.
Resolving Clogged Ducts
If you find yourself suspecting a clogged ducts, that is okay. It is uncomfortable, and it might be stubborn, but I promise it WILL pass. These tricks might help:
Keep nursing. Your baby is an expert at getting milk out, and movement is the goal.
Continue changing up your nursing positions, but make sure to include positions that position your baby's nose-to-chin in line with where you feel the clog. This will give that area a little more intensity and hopefully help work the clog out. Some moms also find a lot of success with "dangle feeding" where you are essentially allowing your breasts to hang down away from your body while your milk is expressed.
Befriend warm moist compresses. Warm water bags, a running shower, a hot towel can all help release stagnation in your breast tissue and bring blood flow to the area. Some moms swear by resting their breasts in a bowl of warm water, with or without epsom salts, but I have not tried this myself.
Dress for comfort. If you are finding that you need more or less support from your clothing, go with what feels best to you. A duct is already uncomfortable, no need to add to that.
Massage your breast surrounding the tender area with downward, outward motions - massaging over it may cause more discomfort or result in inflammation.
Cool compresses can be your friend if inflammation or pain persists. Use alternatively with warmth. I like the hot/cold Lasinoh gel pads, but household items like towels work well too!
If you are a pumping mom, working with gentler pump settings or switching to hand expression may feel good for a while. If hand expressing. you can position your fingers in a way that mimics the nose-to-chin position described above.
Gentle Reminder:
If you reach a chapter of your journey where breastfeeding concerns speak louder than your peace, there are experienced mothers, and postpartum and breastfeeding professionals, who are happy to help you through it. Whether you need someone to listen, someone to offer guidance, or someone to troubleshoot with you, you are not alone.
Meet Lynnea
Lynnea is a mom of 2 and an RN turned traditional birthkeeper & postpartum doula serving mothers local to Michigan's western upper peninsula and northern Wisconsin. Lynnea is founder at Mama Tuki Birth & Motherhood support and co-creatress of Healing Birth, LLC.
Lynnea studied Ayurvedic postpartum care with the Center for Sacred Window Studies, where she authored blog posts and facilitated women's circles on the topics of birthwork, birth story integration, and breastfeeding.
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