Here's how to clear a clogged milk duct

Here's how to clear a clogged milk duct... advice that will likely be music to your ears on your breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding is extremely rewarding, yet often difficult - and some of the challenges many women face are blocked milk ducts.

If you act fast and treat it immediately, a clogged milk duct will typically decrease in size or go away after a couple of days.

But left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, like mastitis or a breast abscess.

Signs to look out for

The signs to look out for could be either a small lump, a boob that feels tender, or if you notice your baby is fussing a lot when feeding from one boob.

It could mean the flow is slower, something which could be caused by a clogged milk duct.

Here's how to clear a clogged milk duct

It's important to remember how common blocked milk ducts are and, in the majority of cases, these are super-easy to sort out.

The easiest way to fix it is to get your baby to help you.

If you think your milk duct is blocked, it's vital that you ensure your breast is completely empty at every feed.

The best way to do that is to let your baby feed as often and for as long as possible on the breast in question.

Your baby will suck harder at the start of a feed because they're hungry, so always start off on the breast where you suspect you might have a blocked duct.

You can help by positioning their nose or chin toward the blocked duct, which will help massage your breast at the right spot, and help clear the duct and dislodge the blockage.

Another tip is to use a warm washcloth and gently massage your breast before or after each feed to help get your milk flowing, or even use a breast pump after every feed, just to make completely sure your breast is emptied.

But if your breast still feels tender and sore the next day, and looks more red than usual – and if the lump is still there – call your doctor immediately as you could be about to develop mastitis.