Blocked ducts can be extremely painful, but with the proper tools and care plan you can help prevent or relieve them much more easily. Here are simple steps to help relieve blocked ducts.
What are blocked ducts?
A blocked duct is a clog or blockage of milk inside a milk duct that results in a tender or painful lump or firm area in the breast. The skin around the lump may be red and warm. The severity of blocked ducts can be different for every woman
A blocked duct can happen when the milk is not flowing freely from the milk duct in your breast. When milk is not removed effectively from the breast either from feeding or expressing, milk stasis can occur. This leads to a build up of milk in a particular area forming a blockage in the milk duct.
However, pressure from external factors can cause a blocked duct too such as the underwire in a bra, tucking the bra down underneath the breast to feed or simply even the weight of the baby’s head against the breast can be enough to clog the system.
It’s important to note that the milk ducts are very delicate structures that lie close to the surface and due to that the breast needs to be handled with care. “Getting stuck in” with vigorous massage is NOT the answer to this problem ever!
Signs & Symptoms
- a white spot or ‘bleb’ on the nipple
- a lump on the breast that can be tender and red.
- a low grade fever maybe present but no other systemic symptoms usually
It is important to monitor for the size of the lump, temperature rising or flu like symptoms setting in as this can indicate mastitis is developing.
How to relieve a blocked duct?
Vibration therapy can be very helpful if you have a blocked duct.
Here are simple steps to help relieve blocked ducts using a simple vibrator. You can also watch my demo video here.
Please note that the severity of clogged ducts can be different for every woman. For some women, following this protocol just once will be enough while others will need to repeat it a few times before the clogged duct is completely resolved. Mums who are looking to reduce or relieve engorgement can also follow the same plan to help relieve engorgement
1. Warm the breast. Heat can help soften the breast and male it easier to get milk flowing. Place a warm, moist compress on the breast for 10 minutes or take a warm shower.
2. Turn on the vibrator. Adjust the vibration strength as needed and glide the vibrator over the breast
3. Soften the area. If you feel very engorged or the clocked duct is very hard, gently hold the vibrator on the breast for a couple of minutes and then move it to thr next area that needs softening. Move from the hard or tender area toward the nipple for approximately 10minutes.
4. Apply dirrect pressure. Using the pointed tip, gently press into the hardened tender area of the breast, moving towards tbe nipple. Only apply as much pressure as you feel comfortable.
5. Empty the breast. If possible, brrastfeed on the affected side first. If your breast still feels firm after breastfeeding, pump the affected arra until softened.
6. Cool down. Cooling down the breast can help reduce inflammation and relive pain. Apply a cold compress for apptoximately 10 minutes.
If you notice your breast getting softer after feedings, you are on the road to recovery
Rest & Repeat
This process can be repetead every 2-3 hours until the blocked duct if fully resolved.
Most blocked ducts will be gone within about 48 hours. If your blocked duct has not gone by 48 hours or so, therapeutic ultrasound often works. Make sure to choose physiotherapist with experience in treating breastfeeding issues.
Additional tips for blocked ducts
Here are some additional tips that may help:
Tip 1: a well fitting, non-wired bra is essential. Make sure to get properly measured. Brands I always recommend are Natalactive and Mummactive.
Tip 2: If you have an oversupply of milk or are weaning and get a clogged duct, you do not need to empty the breast entirely. Pump just enough to get the clog out or relieve engorgement. Try ‘dangle feeding’ where you lean over your baby so that gravity can assist in draining the breast
Most blocked ducts will be gone within about 48 hours. If your blocked duct has not gone by 48 hours or so, therapeutic ultrasound often works. Make sure to choose physiotherapist with experience in treating breastfeeding issues such as myself. It’s all about catching it early!
