4 tips for plugged ducts

It can be common to hear about someone who experienced a plugged duct (sometimes called a clogged duct) while breastfeeding but what does that actually mean? And what do you do if you find yourself with a plugged duct?

Before jumping right to what to do, it’s important to understand a little more about breast anatomy. This helps you understand why what is happening in your body is happening and when I share the tips to helping relieve and prevent them, they will make more sense.

The (absolute) basics

To be able to understand what is happening when you have a plugged duct you should first understand basic breast anatomy. During the second trimester of pregnancy, your body is already preparing for breastfeeding by growing a network of milk ducts. In simplest terms, the milk ducts are tubes and they carry milk from the milk sacs (where milk is made) to the nipple. Milk then exits from multiple pores in the nipple. When milk cannot be removed (due to an obstruction) or sits in the duct for a long period of time it can coagulate. The milk ducts can start to narrow due to inflammation.

So what is a plugged duct/clogged duct?

In short, a plugged duct is a palpable lump in the breast due to inflammation. “Plugged” ducts is technically a misleading term. They should however be promptly looked after. If they’re not, there’s an increased risk of mastitis which is an inflammatory condition that can quickly become infective. If you notice a red, shiny streak on your breast paired with a fever, chills or body aches, these are signs mastitis which as mentioned, is a more serious concern because it can become infective.

Why did I get a plugged duct/clogged duct?

Plugged ducts can occur when milk flow is obstructed or milk is not being removed. They can happen for a number of reasons. Plugged ducts can happen:

• If you miss a feeding or a pumping session
• If you space out the time between feedings (whether intentionally or unintentionally)
• If your baby isn’t effectively removing milk at the breast. This could be due to their latch or poor positioning at the breast
• If you are using the wrong flange size when pumping
• If you have an abundant milk supply
• If there’s lots of pressure against your breast such as with a tight fitting bra

How do I know if I have a plugged duct/clogged duct?

Get familiar with your breasts. Regularly feeling your breasts after a feeding or in the shower will help you become familiar with their normal landscape and quickly allow you to recognize changes. You will be able to feel a firm lump or knot in your breast. The lump should be palpable which means you should be able to located the edges of it. A lack of symptoms is also helpful when thinking about plugged ducts. If you do not have a fever, redness on the breast, chills or body aches, that’s a good sign it’s more likely to be a plugged duct. When locating a plugged duct use the pads of your fingers to feel for the border of the plug so you know where it begins and ends. This will be important when you begin some of the massage techniques.

How can I remove a plugged duct/clogged duct?

There are several ways you can care for a plugged duct. With any of the methods, it’s always about reducing inflammation. My four personal favourites that I use with families are the following. These are not meant to all be used. Start with one method first. Using all of these at once can created unwanted inflammation in the breast and quickly escalate to something worse. If you have a plug that you would describe as stubborn, always reach out to a lactation consultant to they can get to the bottom of the issue with you.

BREASTFEED/REMOVE MILK

Breastfeed and remove milk as usual. The newest guidelines from The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine suggest there’s no need to try and “empty” the breast. Excess pumping can increase inflammation further.

GENTLE MASSAGE AND COLD

Gentle breast massage to move the excess fluid towards the arm pits to the lymphatic system can help. Use cold after milk removals. If you’re pumping, ensure the flanges fit correctly. You can also use a little bit of coconut oil to lubricate the flanges.

A great video about breast massage

https://www.mayabolman.com/videos/v/breastgymnastics

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Reducing inflammation can include anti inflammatory foods as well as over the counter medications like Advil and Tylenol

How do I prevent a plugged duct/clogged duct?⠀

Frequent and effective milk removal are the keys to preventing plugged ducts from reoccurring. If you are frequently experiencing plugged ducts, go back to the list at the beginning. Can make any changes to your baby’s latch and/or positioning, the frequency of feedings, your bra type or pump flanges? If you have and you are still always experiencing plugged ducts, get in touch with a lactation consultant. You can connect with me HERE.