4 Simple Steps to Treat a Clogged Milk Duct

It is common for breastfeeding moms to experience blocked milk duct or ducts. A blocked milk duct is when one or more of the ducts that carry breast milk to the nipple is clogged causing red, tender, painful, hard and uncomfortable lumps on the breast.

Sometimes, a milk bleb is present along with a blocked milk duct. A milk bleb is a small white spot or dot on the nipple, which may or may not be painful.

Things you’ll need to have ready:

1. Your baby or a breast pump
2. Access to a warm bath or shower
3. A warm compress
4. Your fingers and hand for massaging the blocked duct

Follow these simple steps to treat your blocked milk duct:

1. Identify the sore, hard spot or lump on your breast.
2. Take a 10 minute steamy hot bath or shower (ensure breasts are submerged into the water) and gently massage the lump or lumps.
3. Apply a warm compress to the blocked milk duct area for 20 minutes.
4. Breastfeed baby soon after the hot bath and application of the warm compress. Nurse baby frequently to drain the milk. Use a breast pump to empty breast milk if your baby is not latching.

Tips:

💡 You may add Epson Salts to your bath.

💡 It is best to breastfeed baby or pump while you have the warm compress on the breast with the blocked duct.

💡 Replace your nursing pads daily to reduce the risk of developing mastitis.

Feel free to add any comments or tips for unclogging a clogged milk duct. 😄