Caring for Clogged Ducts

Concerned that you have a clogged duct? They are never fun and we are here to help bust some myths about them as well as help you bust some clogs! Read on for caring for clogged ducts.

So what is a clogged duct? 

We used to think that a clogged duct was something. A piece of fat that causes a back up. We have since learned that it is inflammation caused by pressure or swelling in the breast that narrows the ductal tract that carries milk. So we aren’t trying to work something OUT we are trying to make more ROOM in the breast so milk can flow! 

How do you treat a clogged duct? 

We are always learning how our bodies work and while heat and vigorous massage used to be the recommended course of action, we now know better. 

Continue to nurse on demand or if pumping, doing so at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. 

Ensure that your baby has an effective latch. You can also change up the position to help. 

Do NOT increase how many times per day you nurse or pump. Overstimulation can worsen symptoms and can INCREASE your risk for clogged ducts or mastitis. Remember, the more milk we remove, the more milk we make. 

ICE ICE BABY! Since a clogged duct is caused by inflammation, we need to reduce inflammation so milk can move. Ice your breasts for about 10 minutes before you nurse or pump. Then as needed in between feedings (as often as every hour for about 20 minutes). 

Make sure your flanges fit correctly! If you are pumping, using the incorrect size (the average size we fit is 13-18mm) can drastically increase your risks for clogged ducts and mastitis. 

Consult your healthcare provider, but ibuprofen (or other inflammation reducers) can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in the breast. Alternate with Tylenol for added pain relief. 

In the past, sunflower lecithin has been suggested to help as it is a milk emulsifier. However, sunflower lecithin can cause GI issues in both mom and baby, so we typically suggest choline, which is the main ingredient in sunflower lecithin.

Probiotics have also been shown to help. Specifically those with lactobacillus salivarius and lactobacillus fermentum strains. 

Still struggling with clogged ducts, inflammation, or mastitis? We are here to help. Our team of IBCLCs and Nurse Practitioner are here to get to the root cause and work with you to manage any current issues or prevent future issues. Book a visit with Wisco Lactation on our website. We offer home & office visit in SE Wisconsin and NE Illinois. We also offer virtual visits worldwide.

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Resources: 

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.bfmed.org/protocol... 

Bonyata, K. (2018, January 2). Lecithin treatment for recurrent plugged ducts • kellymom.com. KellyMom.com. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://kellymom.com/nutrition... 

Natural treatments for nursing moms • kellymom.com. KellyMom.com. (2020, April 8). Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-...