Everyone has their own story about clogged ducts and for some moms. Not only can they be super uncomfortable ,they can also lead to other problems (like decreased milk production and mastitis). So what exactly is a clogged duct, how does it happen, and the biggest questions on everyone’s mind- how do you get rid of one?
What is a clogged duct?
Basically a clogged duct is exactly as the name suggests. Its a milk duct that becomes clogged with milk and isn’t able to be properly drained. It can feel like a painful lump or knot deep in the breast, kind of like a bruise. I have met some moms who, despite feeling the pain, couldn’t actually feel a lump so that is a possibility also. It can be sore all around the clog, which is a real nuisance when you are nursing a baby around the clock. Another way clogs can present is with a milk bleb or milk blister. This happens when some thicker milk gets trapped by a layer of skin at the end of the nipple. It’s kind of like a clog on the outside.
So what causes these nasty little knots?
- – a not so great latch (which could be caused by a tongue/lip tie or just a baby who needs some extra help to latch deeply). In my own experience, this is the most common culprit.
- -skipped or spaced out feeds (baby that just started sleeping through the night or mom returns to work).
- -an overproduction of breastmilk which baby can’t keep up with can all lead to clogs.
- -tight fitting bras with underwire or even consistently sleeping on your stomach.
Having any of these doesn’t automatically mean you will suffer from clogged ducts for the rest of your breastfeeding days, but it is always good to be aware so you can prevent them from happening and/or treat them quickly if they do!
How to get rid of a clog?
Some super easy tips can really help you get rid of a clogged duct before it becomes a real nuisance.
- -Rest (as much as possible for a new nursing momma) and stay hydrated.
- -Gentle massage while baby nursing (this can be done with your hands or even using the vibration from an electric toothbrush). Just make sure not to be rough as this can damage the already inflamed tissue around the clog!
- -Dangle nursing is the position proven to really help release clogs as it works with both baby’s suction and gravity to get rid of it. As the name suggests, you simply dangle your breast over baby and nurse basically on all 4s. Quite the visual but hey-it does work!
- -If you are able to, a medication like Ibuprofen for the inflammation helps significantly.
- -Warm compresses before nursing and ice packs after nursing.
- -Lots of women swear by sunflower lecithin. This natural supplement makes milk a little more slippery so it doesn’t stick to the walls in your alveoli ( milk making cells in your breasts).
- -The Hakka. This little invention can serve so many purposes, but one of my favorites is to release clogs. All you have to do is put some warm water in with some Epsom salts and suction it on as usual. The warmth and salts help dilate things and the negative pressure can work to pull out the clog. I find this works best if done at least 3 times per day.
- -Most importantly, just keep feeding, feeding, feeding. Try not to over focus on the affected breast and neglect the other, but it is important to continue to nurse/pump on the sore side to promote drainage and release of the clog.
There you have it. A quick rundown on clogged ducts and how to clear them! Persistence is key when it comes to getting rid of these guys. Its so important as, left untreated, they can turn to mastitis- a breast infection no one wants to deal with. Mastitis can be accompanied by fever, pain, red streaks all over your breast, and generally feeling unwell. Hopefully you never encounter this, but if you do, give your doctor a call!