*I am not a medical professional and this is not intended to be taken as medical advice. I’m a mom with real life experience sharing what has worked for me. Always consult your doctor with any concerns. This post contains affiliate links. View my full disclosure here. I only recommend things I feel are helpful. Thanks for your support!
A clogged milk duct
As a new mom, my baby and I were struggling to get a proper latch. I was an over-producer and was chronically engorged. I woke up one morning with a hot red lump in my breast and immediately knew I had a clogged milk duct.
Learning to care for a newborn and healing from birth is stressful enough, but dealing with a clogged milk duct on top of that can be totally overwhelming. An untreated plugged milk duct can quickly develop into mastitis, which makes relieving the blocked duct an urgent matter.
I read everything I could find about how to cure a clogged duct, and fast! Read on as I share everything I tried to successfully relieve the clog plus all of the additional natural relief ideas that I’ve found through my journey that may be helpful to you.
If you’re having trouble with breastfeeding, check out this breastfeeding class from the Mighty Mama Movement. Following this link will save you $100!
What causes a clogged milk duct?
The breast is made of many canals with ducts that lead to duct orifices that release milk through the nipples. A clogged milk duct can have many causes including:
- Inadequate removal of milk from the breast. This may be due to an improper latch, a tongue or lip tie, or a pump that is not fitted correctly. A nipple shield that does not fit properly can also prevent adequate draining of the breast.
- Overproduction of milk. Engorgement is common in the first few days of breastfeeding. If you are consistently producing more milk than your baby needs, the milk that is not drained from the breast can sit and create a clog.
- Long stretches between nursing. Being away from your baby without pumping, or even when your baby starts sleeping longer stretches at night can trigger a clogged duct.
- Abrupt weaning. The breasts make milk based on previous removal. If you are nursing consistently then abruptly stop, the breasts will continue to make as much milk as before. Be sure to wean slowly over several weeks.
- Only nursing on one side. Sometimes babies will begin to prefer one side over the other. This can lead to improper drainage
- Tight fitting clothing or bra. The pressure from tight clothes can restrict milk flow causing a clog. Avoid wearing a bra with an underwire and try not to sleep on your stomach, which can also put pressure on the breasts.
- Stress. Our bodies just don’t function as well when we are stressed. Sometimes just the stress of having a newborn can be enough to cause a clogged duct.
- Dehydration. Breastfeeding mothers need a significant amount of water to stay hydrated and keep up with milk production.
- Improper nutrition. Not only is a balanced diet important for your general health, but it is necessary for milk production. Eating too much saturated fat and not enough fruits and vegetables can cause a clogged milk duct.
How do you prevent a clogged milk duct?
The easiest way to manage a clogged milk duct is to avoid common causes in the first place. Here are a few tips to prevent a blocked duct:
- DO drink enough water throughout the day
- DON’T wear a tight fitting bra or shirt
- DO Empty the breast fully every time
- DO Nurse or pump frequently
- DON’T stop nursing or pumping abruptly
- DON’T push through an improper latch
- DO switch up latch position consistently
- DON’T sleep on your tummy
- DON’T skip pumping or nursing sessions
- DO eat anti-inflammatory foods and take lecithin with a doctor’s approval
How do you tell if a milk duct is clogged?
Learning to identify a clogged duct is crucial in being able to treat it properly.
The main symptom of a clogged milk duct is a red lump in the breast. It will feel hot and may be painful to the touch and/or during a letdown.
Engorgement can cause pain and lumps, but if the lump is still there after your breasts have been drained, there is most likely a clog.
One thing I haven’t seen talked about much is watching as you express milk to be sure it is coming out of all of your duct orifices.
Milk does not just come out of one hole in the middle of the nipple, but rather it comes through many different openings (4-20).2 The amount of openings is different for every woman and even each of your breasts can have a different amount of duct orifices.
If you familiarize yourself with how many streams of milk each breast has, it is easier to identify a possible clog if milk isn’t coming out through one or more of the holes.
How common is a clogged milk duct?
According to this study of 128 mothers, 78% had breastfeeding problems within the first two weeks with 8% reporting a clogged milk duct.1 I have seen other studies that say that number is a bit lower, but among people I’ve talked to, that number is much higher.
It is most common to experience problems with a clogged duct in the first two weeks postpartum, but can happen at any time, particularly when there are changes in a breastfeeding or pumping schedule (like when baby starts sleeping through the night).
Can a clogged milk duct go away on its own?
A clogged milk duct won’t go away on its own, although frequent nursing or pumping (which you are probably doing anyway) can unblock the clog if it isn’t too stubborn.
It is important to be proactive to prevent a breast infection. If you notice red streaks on your breast or you develop a fever, contact your doctor right away.
1. Nurse or pump frequently
Sometimes all it takes to relieve the clog is for the baby or the pump to pull it out. A baby’s suction is usually better than the pump so be sure to bring the baby to the breast often.
Skipping nursing or pumping sessions is a common cause of a clogged duct, so try to keep a good schedule to drain the breasts fully and frequently.
2. Take a hot shower
The heat and steam from a shower can stimulate blood flow and may open up the duct to help the clog release.
In addition, a clogged duct can sometimes be caused by stress so just taking nice hot shower can be relaxing and can help relieve stress.
3. Get lots of rest
Telling a new mom to get lots of rest is tough sometimes because newborns need a lot of attention both day and night.
Unfortunately, a clogged duct can be caused by overdoing it. So leave the dishes in the sink and the laundry unfolded. It’s okay to say no to guests for many reasons, but especially if they are not going to be helpful.
Make sure your partner understands the importance of you getting rest and accept all the help you are offered. Let people bring meals or bring in your mail.
I am an advocate of meal prepping to make life easier. Try these strawberry banana oatmeal muffins or these meal prep breakfast sliders that are super easy to make and can be a quick, healthy breakfast or snack to support the breastfeeding mama.
4. Massage by hand
Many people mistakenly think that the lump is the clog, but a lump is caused by a build up of milk behind the clog, so the clog is between the lump and the nipple. Focus on working the clog out more toward the nipple than where you feel the lump.
Massage in a circular motion toward the nipple to try to break up the clog and release the trapped milk.
Massaging while you’re taking a hot shower will be more effective.
I went to a lactation specialist who recommended massaging your breasts before every feeding or pumping session which will help the milk flow better and can prevent a clog in the first place.
5. Use a heating pad before nursing and a cold pack after
Using heat before nursing will help open up the ducts and help the milk move through. Try applying a heating pad for 5-10 minutes before nursing. Then use ice or a cold pack after nursing to reduce the swelling.
My doula gave me these Lansinoh TheraPearl breast therapy packs as a postpartum gift and they are amazing!
They can be heated up to use before and during nursing then they can be frozen to use after.
They are so nice to have for engorgement pain and they’re perfect for helping to relieve a clogged milk duct.
I recommend using them for both treatment and prevention of a clogged duct.
They’re so convenient because you can stick them in your nursing bra and continue your day without needing to sit and hold them or be plugged in.
You could also use a homemade rice pack that can be microwaved or frozen or an electric heating pad and some frozen peas.
6. Point the baby’s chin toward the clog
A baby’s sucking is the strongest wherever their chin is pointing. Pointing the baby’s chin toward the clog can help work it out more effectively.
When I had a stubborn clogged duct, I called my mom who shared this advice from her friend who is a La Leche League consultant.
For the life of me, I could not figure out a good breastfeeding hold to get my baby’s chin pointing toward my shoulder. After lots of trial and error, I finally figured out how to get her chin pointing up (without holding her upside down) with this next tip:
7. Dangle feed
Not only does the gravity from dangle feeding help pull the milk out, it also makes it possible to point the baby’s chin in any direction.
Place the baby on a safe flat surface like on a blanket on the floor. Then hover over your baby on your hands and knees and allow them to nurse. I found it easiest to rest on my forearms and lay my head on a pillow.
Be sure that their chin is facing the clog and that they get a proper latch. It is not the most comfortable nursing position, but might be just what it takes to release that stubborn clog.
8. Use vibration
Vibration can be very effective in breaking up a clog. I have seen people say they use the handle from an electric toothbrush. I tried that, but the vibration was not strong enough.
Later, I learned that there is such thing as a lactation massager. It is designed to be able to target a clogged milk duct and work it out through vibration.
A lactation massager can be helpful to increase milkflow and make breastfeeding a little easier.
This one specifically is waterproof so it can be used in the shower. It can also be used during breastfeeding to help work out a a clog while the baby is sucking.
The vibration has been helpful for me on multiple occasions to relieve pressure when I’m engorged or to help with milkflow while pumping.
If you are wanting to splurge, the same company makes a heated lactation massager, which sounds awesome!
9. Use cabbage leaves
Soon after my baby was born, my grandma sent me a care package. She specifically gave me some cabbage leaves, because they help with engorgement.
I’ve seen a lot of different theories as to why cabbage leaves help, but the fact is that they do help. Some people say it’s because cabbage can reduce inflammation. Others say cabbage pulls the moisture from the breasts. Other people say it’s just that they’re cold and shaped right.
I chose to avoid using cabbage leaves, because I did not want to risk losing my milk supply. In theory, cabbage can be extremely helpful if you have an oversupply that is causing your clogged ducts, but be careful with this one as it can affect your milk production.
10. Drink tons of water
A clogged milk duct can actually be caused by dehydration. Drinking plenty of water is a vital part of lactation.
I don’t believe that there is a magic amount of water that everyone needs to drink a day. It can depend on so many factors and every person is different. What matters is that you are very hydrated.
I have found that it is helpful for me to place water bottles in all of the rooms of the house that I am in consistently. That way I have a physical reminder to drink and it is also easily accessible wherever I go.
It’s especially important to have a water bottle at your nursing station so you can drink while you nurse. I have loved using one with a straw.
Breastfeeding makes me thirsty and I have to drink twice as much as I did when I was pregnant.
If you struggle drinking water, try coconut water or another drink with electrolytes.
11. Use a haakaa with epsom salt and warm water
Okay, this one is the powerhouse. The combination of the haakaa breast pump along with the epsom salt and warm water is hands down the best remedy for a clogged milk duct.
It works every time.
If you do not own a haakaa breast pump, you NEED to get one. They are so inexpensive and are an incredible invention.
Thanks to the haakaa, I’ve built a whole storage of frozen breastmilk simply by catching the letdown on the other side while I’m nursing.
But I digress…
After I had tried literally everything to get rid of my clogged milk duct, I read online about using the haakaa with warm water and epsom salt.
Not only did it feel so relieving to my raw nipples, it completely got rid of my clogged duct.
I love to soak my feet in Dr. Teals epsom salt, so I always try to keep a bag around the house. I prefer to use the unscented kind.
You’ll want to put about a tablespoon or two of epsom salt in the bottom of your haaka manual breast pump then fill it 3/4 of the way up with very warm water. The salt needs a little help to dissolve so stir or swirl it.
Next, pull the opening back and gently suction the haakaa to your breast. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
If the haakaa fills up with milk before the time is up, I’d recommend dumping some of the liquid out and adding some new warm water before re-attaching it to your breast.
Use a towel, because I get pretty wet attaching and un-attaching the filled haakaa.
You may need to repeat this more than once for a stubborn clog. Try hand expressing some milk after removing the haakaa.
If you do not have a haakaa, you gotta get one! BUT if you do not have one yet, you can fill a bowl with warm water and a tablespoon or two of epsom salt and soak your breast (at least the whole areola) in it.
The salt will pull out the moisture while the warm water opens up the duct. If you do not have epsom salt, you could try table salt in an emergency. However, epsom salt is a form of magnesium so it will also help reduce inflammation and is calming to the nerves and muscles.
12. Have your partner suck it out
This one might sound weird, but a lot of people say having their partner suck out the clog works.
A baby has a strong suck, but not nearly as strong as an adult. If your partner is open to it, they can suck on the breast with the clog to pull the milk out more effectively.
13. Take sunflower lecithin
Lecithin has long been recommended to prevent and even treat a clogged milk duct. It is believed that it will reduce the stickiness of your milk by discouraging the fat molecules from joining together.
I began taking sunflower lecithin when I was trying to treat my first clogged milk duct. I wasn’t sure if it was doing anything until I stopped taking it.
Every time I think I don’t need to take it anymore and I quit for a few days, I end up with another blocked duct.
I have now implemented taking sunflower lecithin daily along with my other daily vitamins.
Legendairy Milk Sunflower lecithin is specifically designed for breastfeeding women.
You can take any form of lecithin, but I prefer sunflower lecithin over soy lecithin, because soy can cause issues with hormones, which I don’t want to mess with.
14. Take probiotics
Everyone should be taking probiotics, but especially breastfeeding moms. Promoting good bacteria in your gut will improve your overall health.
According to research, taking certain probiotics will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the breast.
Mastitis is most often treated with antibiotics. According to at least one study3, certain probiotics, especially the L. Salivarius group, can prevent the need for antibiotics and can even do a better job of treating mastitis than antibiotics.
15. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase your intake of omega 3’s and 6’s
Your diet can greatly affect your breast health and saturated fats have been found to increase the likelihood of recurrent clogged milk ducts.4
Saturated fats can do the opposite of lecithin, because they can cause milk fat to stick together creating a stickier milk overall.
Omega 3’s and 6’s are an important part of a healthy diet and will help milk flow properly.
16. Take curcumin
Curcumin comes from turmeric and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is linked to almost every disease or sickness in some way.
This study found5 that topical curcumin actually decreased markers for lactational mastitis after 72 hours of use. It showed that it helped with pain, swelling, discomfort, and erythema.
Black pepper is known to increase the effect of curcumin so put a little pepper on your meal throughout the day as well.
17. Eat garlic
Raw garlic is a staple in our house. Garlic is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial so it can work to prevent mastitis as well as a clogged milk duct.
Instead of using garlic powder in your meal, try using pressed garlic cloves instead. While increasing your intake of garlic in your meals can help, raw, uncooked garlic will have the greatest benefit.
We love to make garlic toast with freshly pressed raw garlic at our house. It has got a sting to it, but I like to think you can feel it working.
18. Alternate holds frequently
As was mentioned earlier, the direction your baby’s chin is pointing will have the strongest pull.
It’s so easy to get into the habit of nursing in the same position every time. Always nursing in the same position can cause one part of the breast to be drained more every time.
Try rotating between a cross cradle hold, a football hold, a side lying position, and dangle feeding. This allows for all parts of the breast to be drained equally.
In addition, babies can sometimes begin to develop a preference for one side over the other. Switching things up can help them be comfortable nursing in any position and can ensure both breasts are being drained consistently.
Nurse on the side with the clog first as the suction tends to be stronger at the beginning of a nursing session.
19. Use a massage roller
The same company that makes a lactation vibrator also makes a massage roller.
This roller helps improve milk flow and can be used to massage out a clog and can be an effective method of preventing a clogged duct in the first place.
Try using this massage roller before nursing. It makes emptying the breast easier and can give your hands a break.
20. Breastfeeding support tincture
Okay, this is one I have not tried, but in my research, I found an organic breastfeeding support tincture on amazon. It’s called Happy Ducts Lactation Support and it’s on my list to try when I have another baby.
It claims to help lymphatic function, which makes sense to me. I love that it’s organic and non-GMO.
I’m mentioning it here, because it has really great reviews. Let me know in the comments if you have tried this or something similar.
21. Use essential oils
We use essential oils for everything at our house! Lavender essential oil helps fight infection and is another great anti-inflammatory.
Tea tree is another essential oil staple that is anti-bacterial. We use it for everything. It can help prevent mastitis and reduce swelling and inflammation of the breast.
Coconut oil is antibacterial as well so I like to use it as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Dilute 2-3 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil mixed with coconut oil and use it to massage your breast.
Other essential oils that may be helpful include citrus blends, geranium and turmeric. I like to use peppermint essential oil for almost any pain, but peppermint is known to decrease milk supply and should be avoided unless you are trying to wean and want to decrease your supply.
Fennel and dill are two oils that can help increase milk supply.
Newborns are especially sensitive to scents and oils. You should wash off the essential oils before nursing to avoid irritation.
22. Drink herbal tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is my favorite pregnancy and postpartum herbal tea. I have found that it helps balance my hormones and increases my milk supply.
Lavender tea, like lavender essential oil, is anti-inflammatory. You can either drink the warm tea or use it in a warm compress to apply directly to the breast.
Drinking warm herbal tea can relieve stress plus the heat can help expand your milk ducts to release a clog.
23. Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. We keep a bottle of ACV around our house to take whenever someone is getting sick, because it helps fight off colds.
Taking a tablespoon of ACV diluted in a glass of water is a home remedy that many people swear by to unplug a clogged milk duct.
It burns a little going down the throat so be sure to dilute it with water.
When you’ve tried everything
If you feel that you’ve tried everything, be sure to talk to your doctor and consult with a lactation specialist. If you want more help with breastfeeding, I highly recommend this course by the Mighty Mama Movement.
What have you tried to relieve a clogged milk duct? Let me know in the comments what has worked for you!
Sources
- https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrcl/7/4/133.abstract
- https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10538/weird-facts-about-breastfeeding/
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0201/p311a.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17983997/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202229/
