Clogged Milk Ducts: Symptoms & Treatment NYC
Clogged milk ducts, also known as blocked or plugged milk ducts, are a common and painful condition experienced by many breastfeeding and pumping moms. While blocked ducts can be frustrating and uncomfortable, you can effectively manage them with the right knowledge and treatment.
Your breast tissue is made up of two main components: lobules and ducts.
Lobules: Lobules are small sacs in your breasts that are responsible for producing milk.
Ducts: Ducts transport milk from the lobules to your nipple, where it flows out to your baby during breastfeeding and pumping. Recent research using ultrasound imaging has revealed that each breast has about nine milk ducts.
What is a milk duct?
What is a clogged milk duct?
As a new mom, you might have heard about clogged milk ducts, but what exactly are they? We are here to break it down in simple terms for you.
A blocked or plugged milk duct occurs when there’s an obstruction in one or more of your breast ducts. Contrary to popular belief, milk does not cause the obstruction.
Instead, inflammation is what causes plugged milk ducts. Due to inflammation, the duct becomes swollen and narrowing, resulting in decreased milk flow. It is this thickening and swelling of the duct that causes the lump you feel.
What causes a clogged milk duct?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a plugged duct. These include:
A change in your breastfeeding/pumping feeding schedule: A sudden change in your feeding frequency, commonly experienced during the weaning period or when your baby starts to sleep through the night.
Physical pressure on the breast. Tight clothing or a tight nursing bra can result in a clogged milk duct. Pressure from sleeping on your stomach or from carrying a heavy bag across your chest can also be triggers.
Skipping or prolonging feedings. Breast engorgement is common when you skip or prolong the time between feedings, and is often a trigger for plugged milk ducts.
Less than adequate latch. If your baby is feeding incorrectly, then they won't be effectively emptying the breast and this can lead to a clogged milk duct. A tongue tie, among other reasons, may affect your baby's latch.
Other risk factors may include oversupply of milk, stress, fatigue, or a history of clogged ducts.
What does a blocked milk duct feel like?
The symptoms of a blocked duct will present gradually and may include:
A tender, pea-sized lump in the breast
Feeling of pressure or heaviness in the breast
A white blister on the nipple, this is known as a bleb
Reduced milk supply from the beast
Breast is warm and tender
Breast is slightly pink in color
Engorgement of the breast
Feeling generally “off”
What happens if a clogged milk is left untreated?
If left untreated, a clogged duct can lead to more serious issues. The most common complication is mastitis. Mastitis is a painful condition characterized by breast tissue inflammation and/or infection. You can learn more about mastitis here.
How to tell the difference between mastitis and a plugged duct?
While these two conditions are related, they have distinct characteristics. Let's explore how you can differentiate between the two.
Clogged milk duct:
Definition: inflammation of a breast duct
Pain location: Local to the lump in your breast
Pain Intensity: Mild to moderate
No flu-like symptoms (fever, chill, etc.)
Mastitis:
Definition: inflammation and/or infection of your breast tissue
Pain location: Widespread pain in a larger area of the breast
Pain Intensity: Pain is more severe
Presents with flu-like symptoms (fever, chill, body aches, etc.)
How can I unclog a milk duct?
If you believe that you have a clogged milk duct, don't wait to take action as like discussed above it can progress to mastitis. It is important to note that a clogged duct can develop into mastitis very quickly, often in a 24 hour period.
Because inflammation causes clogged milk ducts, treatment for the condition should focus on reducing inflammation.
Here are some effective ways to treat a clogged milk duct at home:
Continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently, especially on the affected breast.
Apply warm compresses to the affected area before nursing or pumping. This can help stimulate breast milk flow.
Use a breast pump after feeding if your baby doesn't completely empty the breast.
Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid tight bras, especially those with underwire.
Apply cold packs after feeding to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Get extra rest and relaxation to help speed up the healing process.
If your clog doesn't get better and your symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, we highly recommend consulting with a breast health specialist for more treatment options.
Clogged & blocked milk duct treatment
A breast health specialist can effectively help you to treat clogged milk ducts and prevent them from coming back. According to the American Academy of Breastfeeding, interventions for clogged milk ducts should focus on reducing inflammation by including:
Therapeutic Ultrasound. Therapeutic ultrasound therapy has been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain from clogged milk ducts and the clog itself. The sound waves created from the ultrasound, will help to clear the clog, improve local blood circulation, and reduce inflammation and swelling. Ultrasound for clogged milk ducts is not at all painful.
Manual lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle massage technique performed by certified professionals. The light-touch massage moves excess fluid and inflammatory substances away from the affected area through the lymphatic system. By reducing inflammation and swelling around the ducts, the massage can help to eliminate the clog, decrease pain, and restore normal milk flow.
It's important to note that this technique differs from traditional breast massage, as it uses very light pressure and focuses on moving fluid through the lymphatic system rather than directly manipulating the milk duct. In fact, new research discourages the use of deep breast massage, vibrating tool, and muscle massagers to "break down" clogged ducts as this causes further inflammation and actually worsens the condition.
Targeted stretches. Tight chest muscles and poor posture can also contribute to the development of clogged milk ducts. Thus, our therapists will provide you with individualized stretches to optimize your posture and overall upper body flexibility. They will also provide you with specific exercises to do to prevent future clogged ducts.
Addressing underlying causes. To prevent recurring clogs, it's important to identify and address the main causes for your blocked milk duct. Our therapists will provide you with education and preventative strategies to reduce your likelihood of recurrent blocked milk ducts.
At FemFirstHealth, our physical and occupational therapists have specialized training in breast health and breastfeeding to help you address clogged milk ducts, mastitis, and any other hiccup in your breastfeeding/pumping journey. We’re here for you!
Book Appointment
If your clog is persisting for longer than 48 hours despite your best efforts, or you have been experiencing reoccurring clogs, we can help! Our team have the expertise and training to help you get relief right away.
We offer treatment for clogged milk ducts in our Midtown and Upper West Side offices in New York City.
Reach out to us to schedule an appointment by using our contact form or by calling us directly at (646) 678-3034.
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to book a FREE 15-minute consultation call with one of our therapists.
How long before a blocked milk duct turns into mastitis?
If a blocked milk duct stays blocked for more than two days there is an increased risk that it will turn into mastitis. The longer a milk duct remains blocked the higher the risk that it will turn into mastitis which is why it is important to treat the blockage as quickly as possible.
Can ultrasound break up a clogged or blocked milk duct?
Yes it can. A "mini massage" is delivered to the particular blocked location by an ultrasound machine as sound waves with light heat are sent through the breast tissue. This facilitates duct clearing and promotes milk flow via the breast.