Breastfeeding is an awesome experience. It helps with bonding with baby, provides the exact nutrition your little one needs, and passes great immune support from mom to baby. And as anyone who has attempted breastfeeding knows, it is not without its challenges. There are so many factors involved in keeping baby growing and fed that we don't have to even think about, thank goodness! But there are some things that immediately grab our attention, and a clogged or blocked duct is one of those things! 

A clogged duct is a mammary gland that is unable to drain due to blockage. The block may stem from incomplete emptying of the duct on a previous feed (baby may have a poor latch, tongue tie, or feeding may have been ended too early) that leads to inflammation and further progresses the block. Clogs can also arise from wearing constrictive clothing such as an underwire bra or tight sports bra. They are more likely in the first few months of breastfeeding because of higher milk production (anyone else ever feel like a sprinkler after stepping out of the shower?), and therefore increased likelihood of milk remaining in the breast at that time. 

The key to addressing clogged ducts is quick action. You need to reverse the clog before it progresses to mastitis,  which is a systemic infection requiring antibiotics. How do you stop these painful blockages before they progress, you ask? There are oh-so-many things to try, as I will detail below. But let me reiterate, quick action is necessary! 

Tips for clogged mammary ducts: 

• Reposition baby. Sometimes he or she is not draining all mammary ducts if you tend to feed in the same position. Try moving baby to direct sucking at the area of the clog to allow improved milk flow.

• Pump. If baby is having a hard time emptying a breast in a feeding, try pumping to fully empty. Pumping allows more easy positioning of the breast funnel/flange to allow improved duct drainage. Bonus: you now have milk to store.

• Breast massage (this sounds more fun than it actually is). This recently published article supports massage to the breast tissue for breastfeeding discomforts including blocked ducts. The article states the multiple types of massage are beneficial, and if you’re very gentle and consistent it’s likely that this can be an effective home remedy.

• Use a vibrating toothbrush. Just push the ‘on’ button and gently hold over the affected area. This was a tip I got from a nurse at the local hospital, and while I haven’t tried it I could definitely see it being effective.

• Ultrasound. There is good research supporting the use of ultrasound to break up a blockage, however unless you can get a same-day appointment at your physical therapist’s office (or other provider), this option is not as useful. Go with the toothbrush!

• Kinesiotape. The same way athletes get support and assistance with this flashy stretchy tape, mamas can get relief in the mammary ducts. Please see someone who is experienced with this type of taping as it is a sensitive area without the inflammation associated with the blockage.

Here is a great article online to help you distinguish between a blockage and mastitis. If you have any questions or concerns about what you are experiencing please contact your health professional!