Clogged Milk Duct Treatment

Women who have faced the problem of a clogged milk duct while breastfeeding their child know the agony of a plugged milk duct. At the same time, there are many women who don't know what it is to have a blocked milk duct. If clogged milk duct is not treated in time, it can cause infection. There are simple home remedies for clogged milk duct treatment which are often successful in curing clogged milk ducts.

Clogged Milk Ducts
When milk fails to drain out from the milk duct in adequate amounts, it causes inflammation and soreness in the breasts. This condition is referred to as clogged milk duct. The area where the duct is located becomes hard and tender to touch. In some women, soreness is accompanied by redness as well. It is similar to engorgement, however, only in one isolated spot on the breast. There are many causes of clogged milk duct. Wearing a too constricting or underwire bra, which does not fit well can put pressure on the milk duct/s. Skipping or incomplete feeding is another common cause of clogged milk ducts. Increased amount of stress can also give rise to a clogged milk duct. If you sleep for a very long time on the stomach, it can cause added pressure on the milk ducts. However, at times, clogged milk ducts can occur without any apparent reasons too.

Treatment For Clogged Milk Duct
Clogged milk ducts can be treated at home as well, however, some women might have to seek professional clogged milk duct treatment. The most important trick in clogged milk treatment is to continue breastfeeding, even if it is painful. Here are some clogged milk duct treatments:

• The most important tip is to frequently breastfeed your child.
• After every session of breastfeeding, use a breast pump to ensure that the breast has been completely drained out. You can also hand express the remaining milk.
• Till you have a clogged milk duct, always start breastfeeding with the breast that is clogged.
• Massage helps unclogging a plugged milk duct. It is important to massage the affected area frequently and firmly. At times, it can be painful, but this is necessary. Massage from your armpits down towards the nipple.
• Warm compresses will help a great deal in treating clogged milk duct. Warm shower will also help.
• You can try and vary the nursing position.
• Before breastfeeding, apply moist hot packs on the breast. The heat will help the milk duct to open and also enables better milk drainage.
• If you are prone to clogged milk duct, do not do any kind of upper arm exercises.
• Do not sleep on your stomach. Sleep on your back or on your sides.
• Rest is important to treat clogged milk duct. If possible, try and get a baby sitter for your child so that you get some time to rest.

The benefits of breastfeeding are many. Therefore, just because you have clogged milk duct, do not stop breastfeeding your child.

During pregnancy it is advisable to check your breast every 2 - 3 weeks for any clogged milk duct. In case, you notice any clogged milk duct during pregnancy gently massage the breast. Applying warm compress will also help in relieving you of the condition. If you are wearing an underwire bra, you may want to stop using it as the chances are high that it is putting pressure on the breast and giving rise to clogged milk ducts. In case the problem is not solved or you are not sure about the lumps, talk to your doctor.

Clogged milk duct after weaning is a result of abrupt end of breastfeeding. If you are planning to wean, it should be done gradually over a period of time. When you start weaning, cut out one feed a day and then slowly decrease the number of feeds. Read here on drying up breast milk.

If you notice that home clogged milk duct treatment does not relieve you and you have fever for more than 24 hours or there is sudden onset of chills, you will want to talk to your health care professional. If you notice that the nipple has infection and there is blood and or pus oozing out or if both your breasts are affected, do not neglect the condition. Visit your health care professional immediately.