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How to Avoid Clogged Milk Ducts and Breast Engorgement

Clogged duct breastfeeding is when a mother experiences a plugged milk duct. This often leads to poor milk flow and can be uncomfortable. Clogged duct breastfeeding can occur after an ailment in the breast, not allowing the milk to drain properly. It may also happen if the baby is not positioned correctly at the breast during feeding, which will lead to pressure on the clogged area of the breast.

There are a variety of ways that women can avoid getting clogged milk ducts and breast engorgement, including the following: (1) Keeping the breasts emptied and relaxed to reduce the risk of clogged milk ducts. This can be done by hand (called expressing) or with a breast pump. The gentle pressure from rubbing or pumping will help encourage drainage of clogged milk and relieve discomforts. (2) If breastfeeding, releasing pressure on your breast from baby sucking by alternating between nursing positions or pausing for short periods when feeding. (3) Using herbal tinctures like WishGarden's Happy Ducts Lactation Support that contain gentle and postpartum-safe herbs like Usnea, Elder, Yarrow and Baptisia as an alternative treatment for clogged milk ducts. (4) You can also try putting a warm compress on the affected area, applying heat before nursing, or breastfeeding more often throughout the day.

Clogged Milk Duct Symptoms

A clogged milk duct is often a symptom of breast engorgement. Symptoms may include a sudden feeling of heaviness, discomfort or tenderness in the affected area, and swelling. If symptoms persist for more than two days, it's important that she sees her doctor or lactation consultant for additional help before any long-term damage occurs to her breasts or nipples from continued overuse of hormones.