Clogged milk ducts are the worst! I have had mastitis multiple times throughout my breastfeeding journey because I wasn’t able to clear the clogs. Since, I have been able to come up with solutions to clear clogged milk ducts and make sure I don’t get mastitis again.
Related: Everything You Need For Breastfeeding
What Are Clogged Ducts
When your milk sits in the milk ducts for too long it can cause a clog. Basically your milk gets backed up and it becomes difficult for it to come out. Your breast becomes sore and it can lead to mastitis- an infection in your breast- if it is not cleared. Usually clogged ducts are caused by the breast not being emptied enough. If you miss a pumping or nursing session a duct may become clogged.
How To Know If You Have A Clogged Duct
If you have a clogged duct, then you will likely have pain in one breast. It may be red, warm, and tender. Your milk flow from the affected breast may be slower. If you have a fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting make sure you see a doctor because you may have mastitis.
Related: Everything You Need For Breastfeeding
How To Clear A Clogged Duct
Pump Or Nurse
Make sure you don’t stop nursing or pumping if you have a clogged duct. If you don’t get the clog out it can turn into mastitis. You can also pump or nurse more on the affected side to help clear the clog.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Exclusive Pumping
Sunflower Lecithin
I suggest taking sunflower lecithin regularly while breastfeeding. Sunflower lecithin can be taken to help keep your milk from clogging. Sunflower lecithin will make the milk flow easier. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any new medication.
Gravity
Use gravity to your advantage. Have your baby lay on the ground and nurse kneeling over them. You can also do the same with pumping.
Clothing
Wear clothes that aren’t tight. Don’t wear an underwire bra as this can cause clogged ducts or make the clog worse.
Massaging
Use your hands or a lactation massager to massage the duct. Start at the back of your breast and massage to the nipple.
Wide Tooth Comb
Use a wide tooth comb to comb from the back of the breast to the nipple. The tongs on the comb can help to get the clog moving.
Heat
Get a heating pad on the affected area. Alternatively you can use a warm washcloth and press it on to help loosen the clog, you may need to rewet the cloth with warm water multiple times.
Shower
Taking a shower can help, with heat as high as you can handle. While you are in the shower, you can use a wide tooth comb or massage the duct to help get it flowing.
Salt Water In A Haakaa
Add 1 tbsp of Epsom salt to a Haakaa half full of hot water. Attach the Haakaa as usual to your breast and it should help pull the clog out. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes
