What is a plugged duct?
The breast has multiple milk ducts that the milk flows through out the nipple. When a plug occurs in the milk duct it causes milk to build up behind the blockage. And if not treated properly there is an increase risk it may lead to mastitis.

How to know you have a plugged duct?
Touch and feel around your breast. If it feels a bit tender or sore and there is a lump present, it may be a plugged duct. And sometimes it may be a little red and feel hot to touch as well, but not always!

How to remove a blocked duct?

• First apply heat whether wet or dry on the breast. You can have a warm shower or use your #haakaapump or a bowl or warm water and epsom salt to soak your whole breast prior to feeding. * Make the water as warm as you can handle *

• Lightly massage behind the lump while the heat is on. Using your hands or a breast massager.

• After the heat feed baby on the affected breast first. Your baby will always be hungriest at the beginning of the feed so offer that breast first. While baby is feeding, massage lightly behind the lump. Like you are trying to massage it out. BUT please be gentle as it will be sore and you don't want to cause more damage.

• Try feeding in different positions like side lying or dangle feeding. And if you can try and get baby's chin pointed into the lump

• Feed frequently, always offering affected side first. If you feel after a feed you need it to drain more, use a pump.

TIP: You can also use an electric toothbrush or vibrator on the affected area to help break it up.

Now when it does dislodge you may feel a little pop sensation and then a gush of milk. This is normal as there has been such a build up behind it. You may even get some cottage cheese looking milk, which is just congealed milk that was stuck.

Please note: If at any time you are concerned, seek medical attention or a local Lactation Consultant ASAP.

Stay tuned for information on why a plugged duct may occur or keep occurring!

Have you ever had a plugged duct? What worked for you?

Written by Haakaa’s Leading Expert Courtney Garland BScN RN IBCLC from @mamalin