A clogged milk duct, medically known as breast engorgement, occurs when milk builds up in the breasts. This can make the milk thicker and harder to release.
When this happens, the breast may feel larger, harder, painful, or uncomfortable, especially during breastfeeding. A clogged milk duct usually occurs when the breast is not fully emptied, when breastfeeding technique is incorrect, or when feedings are too far apart.
If not treated properly, milk buildup can lead to breast inflammation, known as mastitis. If symptoms do not improve within a few days after the baby is born or make breastfeeding difficult, it is important to consult a pediatrician or gynecologist to assess whether treatment is needed, which may include removing excess milk and using pain medication.
What to do
To relieve symptoms of a clogged milk duct and help milk flow, the following is recommended:
1. Ensure proper breastfeeding technique
For the baby to empty the breast properly, it is important to make sure the baby has a correct latch.
When the latch is correct, breastfeeding should not be painful. The baby’s lower lip should be turned outward, the chin should touch the breast, and a small part of the areola is usually visible above the baby’s mouth.
2. Take warm showers before feedings
Taking warm showers or applying warm compresses to the breasts before feedings can help milk flow more easily. This makes it easier for the baby to empty the breast and can also reduce discomfort caused by breast engorgement.
3. Stimulate the lymph nodes
The lymph nodes in the armpit play an important role in draining fluid from the breast area. When properly stimulated, they can help reduce breast swelling and pain caused by a clogged milk duct.
The lymph nodes can be stimulated with a gentle circular massage in the area where the armpit meets the breast.
These circular movements can be repeated 10 times in a row. Then, lightly stroke the breast from the edge of the nipple toward the shoulder. The massage should be gentle and should not cause pain.
4. Massage the breast in circular motions
Breast massage, especially in the areas where the milk feels most hardened, can help make the milk flow more easily. It also stimulates oxytocin, a hormone that helps with milk letdown and makes it easier for the baby to remove milk.
The massage should be done with gentle circular movements to avoid pain or discomfort. During the massage, support the breast with one hand and massage with the other. The massage should be repeated before each feeding.
5. Express a little milk before feeding
After massaging the breast and before feeding, expressing a small amount of milk until it appears on the nipple can help trigger milk letdown. This can also make it easier for the baby to latch.
Milk can be expressed by carefully pressing the base of the breast between the index finger and thumb and moving the fingers toward the nipple.
6. Remove excess milk
Excess milk can be removed by hand expression or with a breast pump. This should be done according to the guidance of a pediatrician or gynecologist, as expressing too much milk can stimulate the body to produce even more.
Hand expression can be done by applying light pressure with the thumb and index finger at the base of the breast and moving them toward the nipple until milk begins to come out.
7. Apply cold compresses after feeding
Applying cold compresses to the breasts between feedings can help reduce milk production and buildup. In more severe cases of a clogged milk duct, cold compresses may be recommended every 2 hours, but each application should not last longer than 15 minutes.
8. Use pain relievers for pain
For persistent pain and discomfort, a gynecologist may recommend pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Pain can interfere with oxytocin production and milk letdown, which may make breastfeeding more difficult.
Symptoms of a clogged milk duct
The main symptoms of a clogged milk duct are:
-
Harder breasts;
-
Difficulty with milk flow;
-
Increased breast size;
-
Breast pain.
In some cases, other symptoms such as fever and malaise may also occur and can indicate more severe milk buildup.
If a clogged milk duct does not improve within a few days, interferes with breastfeeding, or causes symptoms such as fever and malaise, it is important to consult a pediatrician or gynecologist for treatment guidance.
Main causes
A clogged milk duct can be caused by incomplete breast emptying, a delay in starting breastfeeding, or incorrect breastfeeding technique, for example.
Milk buildup can also occur when the baby’s sucking is not effective or when some medications are used, such as metoclopramide.
It is important to identify the cause of a clogged milk duct so that the most appropriate treatment can be started. This is especially important if breastfeeding technique is incorrect or if the baby is not sucking effectively, as other breastfeeding positions may be recommended.