Breastfeeding And Blocked Milk Ducts

The milk ducts are a network of tubes that connect the milk lobules (nodes) to the nipple. At the top of the nipple, the canals open, which are about 15-20 for each breast. These are the ways in which milk passes from the lobules to the nipple.

What is a milk duct obstruction?

Clogging of the milk ducts is caused by the retention of milk in them. This happens when the milk production is in larger quantities than the baby needs and it cannot suckle. The milk then thickens in the milk duct and causes it to become clogged.

What are the signs of clogged milk ducts?

• Feeling a small, hard lump in the breast.
• Reddening of the skin and a feeling of warmth in the affected area.
• Occurrence of edema, which may decrease after breastfeeding.

The presence of symptoms such as severe pain, fatigue, cramping, fever predisposes to a more serious problem, which is why it is necessary to seek medical help. If timely measures are not taken, blocked milk ducts can cause the development of mastitis.

What are the causes of milk duct obstruction?

• Increased milk production, which the baby fails to absorb for one reason or another - not eating enough, skipping meals. At the beginning of breastfeeding, the milk production is much larger than the baby's needs and he fails to express it. This is because the process of milk formation is still improving.
• Breast milk pump - improper use or inappropriate breast milk pump can lead to injury of the milk ducts, which is also a prerequisite for their obstruction.

• Sudden weaning of the baby.
• Wearing a tight and uncomfortable bra.

• Sleeping on your stomach.
• Stress - under the influence of stress reduces the synthesis of the hormone oxytocin, which helps to release milk.

What to do in the presence of blocked milk ducts?

First, continue breastfeeding from the affected breast. Apply different breastfeeding positions to stimulate (to squeeze) as much as possible all the milk ducts. 

Place the baby on the breast so that his chin is facing the inflamed area - in this case, when the baby takes the breast and twists the vacuum that is created will stimulate the blocked duct.

If the baby does not suckle enough to empty the breast, you need to use the breast pump until the milk starts to drip. Make sure the breast is well drained after each breastfeeding. This ensures that there is no milk stagnation in the ducts.

Massage - start massaging from the outside of the breast to the nipple. You can do the massage before or during breastfeeding.

Another option is to try massaging in circular motions on the lump itself. Depending on exactly where the blocked milk duct is, you could position the baby so that it massages the lump formed on the breast with its chin.

Apply warm compresses before breastfeeding. This can help open the ducts and relieve pain. You can use a towel to soak in warm water and apply to the breast until the milk flows. Another option is to take a hot shower.

In combination with the above methods, you can also take the dietary supplement lecithin. It helps by reducing the viscosity of milk and increasing the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

One less common therapeutic method for blocked milk ducts is ultrasound. You can get advice on the application of this method in relatively few physiotherapy centers or clinics in sports medicine. If you find a therapist with experience in the application of ultrasound therapy you can achieve good results. Usually two procedures are enough to solve the problem. Ultrasound can also prevent recurrence (secondary milk duct obstruction).

How to prevent clogging of the milk ducts?

• Avoid long periods between feedings.
• Wear a comfortable breastfeeding bra that does not press on the breasts. Be careful with the use of the kangaroo, it should also not be too tight so as not to press on the breast.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach!

How will the blocked milk ducts affect the baby?

Clogged milk ducts will not adversely affect the health and growth of the baby. The only problem they can cause is poor milk supply during breastfeeding from the affected breast, which can make the baby irritable.

When to seek medical help?

If within 24-48 hours after frequent breastfeeding, expressing with the breast pump, applying warm compresses and massages the problem persists - the place where the lump is felt is painful, inflamed, red and flu-like symptoms appear - seek medical attention immediately. help as the condition is likely to turn into an infection called mastitis.