If you’re a mama-to-be or someone who’s going through the adventure of motherhood for the first time, then you might agree with us when we say that while motherhood is a great experience, it can also undeniably be quite scary and tricky, especially since this is the time you’ll be experiencing a lot of firsts. There will be a whole new range of emotional ups and downs and physical changes - from being unable to sleep to body pains, and even clogged milk ducts!
Try not to worry, mamas. These are all normal changes that happen to a lot of women and these are experiences that you can also prepare for by reading up and educating yourself more about them. Mamas all over the world go through this more frequently than you think and, while it may be daunting, it can be something you can (mentally) prepare for.
So, in this article, we will be covering one major experience that you should be ready for - clogged milk ducts. This can be something that’s very painful and can cause you to panic, especially since it’s quite a different experience and sensation. Read on to find out more about what they are, how you know when you’re experiencing it, what you can do if you start feeling it, and other useful tips and tricks.
What is a Clogged Milk Duct and Why Do They Happen?
Breast milk cannot pass through your breasts to reach your nipple if the duct that transports the milk is obstructed or jammed. As a result of this occurence, you’ll be feeling a lump of discomfort.
There’s a network of milk ducts in your breasts called mammary ducts, and these ducts, which resemble tubes, transport milk from the breast tissue to the nipples. So, if there’s anything squeezing the milk ducts, such as inflammation in the surrounding blood vessels and soft tissues, milk may back up in them.
A red, tender, and uncomfortable lump in your breast is brought on by a blocked milk duct. It's crucial to understand the symptoms of a clogged duct and how to treat it because it can result in infection. Now, while this does seem scary or daunting, a blocked milk duct is actually treatable at home.
Now, while the primary reason for clogged ducts is the inflammation of the blood vessels and tissues surrounding the milk ducts, these actually can be the result of the following reasons:
- You’ve skipped a pumping or feeding session, or you’ve waited too long to do your next round of pumping.
- Your little one didn’t latch on to your nipple well and, as a result, your breast won’t drain well.
- You’ve shifted your little one’s feeding schedule.
- There’s been pressure on your breasts due to bad sleeping positions or tight clothing.
Signs of Clogged Milk Ducts
A blocked duct may show progressive symptoms. A pea-sized or larger sore lump indicative of a clogged breast duct may also occasionally be accompanied by a little white blister on the nipple.
The beast area should emit little to no heat, you shouldn’t have redness or a fever, and the breast may be sensitive and the tender lump may or may not be palpable with defined boundaries.
Other symptoms or signs of clogged ducts can also be the following:
- Feeling some pain after the initial flow of milk or the letdown
- Any swelling or discomfort nearby the lump
- After pumping or feeding, the lump moves or shrinks
- Any discomfort that disappears following feeding or pumping
- Milk blebs, or milk blisters, on the nipple (this is a tiny white dot on the nipple that experts believe it to be "debris" from duct inflammation)
Management
The majority of clogged ducts actually clear up in 1-2 days, either with or without therapy. So, You can treat a blocked duct at home.
One way to unclog a duct is by breastfeeding frequently and consistently. This is actually one of the simplest and quickest management options. Each time you breastfeed, it's important to totally empty the breast with the clogged duct. A breast that has been completely drained feels lighter and releases little to no milk when squeezed.
If your little one didn’t latch on well (has a bad latch) or is unable to completely empty the breast, using a breast pump after each feeding session can also be helpful.
There are also other strategies that you can try if these don’t work out, like the ones listed below:
- Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid wearing bras with any underwire or even ones that are too tight.
- Apply a hot compress or a heating pad on your breasts for around 20 minutes at a time. You can also opt to take a warm shower instead of using a heating pad.
- Do an epsom salt bath for 10-20 minutes so your breasts can soak.
- Massage your breasts by beginning just above the clog and push it outward towards the nipple.
- Change the positions you use while breastfeeding. Having your baby point their nose or chin toward the clogged duct might be a better position to help loosen the milk and drain the clogged milk ducts.
Contact your healthcare professional if the lump does not disappear within a few days. Additionally, you should get in touch with your healthcare practitioner right away if you feel sick, experience a fever or chills, or if the region around the lump starts to look red. This can actually mean that you have mastitis and should consider taking antibiotics so you can avoid developing any further infection or pain.
