Updated April 7th 2025
It’s really common to hear about someone who experienced a plugged duct (sometimes called a clogged duct) while breastfeeding. Many of my clients do, but what does that actually mean? Especially because this doesn’t have to happen. But what do you do if you find yourself with a plugged duct? Keep reading and I’ll tell you.
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.
So what is a plugged duct/clogged duct?
In short, a plugged duct is a palpable lump in the breast due to inflammation narrowing the ducts. “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, and a sore, tender breast that feels bruised, these are signs mastitis. I’ve had it twice and it’s awful, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone but it can be prevented and/or treated at home if you catch it quickly
Why did I get a plugged duct/clogged duct?
Plugged ducts can occur when breast inflammation increases. They can happen for a number of reasons. Plugged ducts can happen:
- If you go a very long time between nursing or pumping
- 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 oversupply
- If there’s a dysbiosis – meaning an imbalance in harmful bacteria on/in the body compared to good
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 (narrowing of the duct because of inflammation).
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 favourites that I use with on myself and with my clients come from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol for mastitis.
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 & Cold
Gentle breast massage to move the excess fluid towards the arm pits to the lymphatic system can help. Use cold on your breast after nursing or pumping. This could be a cold pack for just 5-10 mins. If you’re pumping, ensure the flanges fit correctly. You may likely need a smaller size than what came with your pump. An IBCLC can support you with this.
A great video about breast massage by Maya Bolman, IBCLC
This type of “massage” is gentle. No more agressive massage with vibrating things. We need to be gentle on our breasts. They are not like the muscle tissue of our body.
https://www.mayabolman.com/videos/v/breastgymnastics
Reduce Inflammation
Reducing inflammation can include anti inflammatory foods like more fruits and veggies, healthy fats and probiotic rich foods as well as over the counter medications like Advil and Tylenol. Choose what feels best for you and know there is a lot of power in our food. I go deeper into this inside my course Boob-ease: Get relief from the pain of plugged ducts and mastitis at home.
How do I prevent a plugged duct/clogged duct?⠀
Frequent and effective milk removal as well as supporting your immune system and inflammation 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 an IBCLC for 1-1 support or checkout my course: Boob-ease to help you get fast relief from the pain of plugged ducts and mastitis at home and keep them from coming back!