Help for blocked milk ducts and mastitis
Blocked milk ducts
Blocked milk ducts may develop during breast-feeding when the breasts become too full. This may also occur if:
- The breasts are overly constricted, such as from wearing a bra that is too tight or does not fit well.
- Your baby does not breast-feed often enough to empty your breasts.
- Your baby breast-feeds in the same position at each feeding, which occasionally causes some ducts to not empty well.
You can help unblock milk ducts by:
- Taking a warm shower or applying a warm, wet compress several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. To make a warm compress, soak a hand towel in warm water. Wring out the excess water and place the towel on the affected breast. Cover the compress with a second, dry towel to trap the heat.
- Massaging over the area of the blocked duct, moving toward the nipple, before and during breast-feeding.
- Breast-feeding more frequently.
- Using a variety of breast-feeding positions.
- Feeding from the affected breast first. This moves the milk through the breast more effectively because the baby's sucking is most intense at the beginning of a feeding session.
- Taking ibuprofen to reduce swelling.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection in the breast that may be caused by a blocked milk duct or cracked nipples. If you have mastitis, you need treatment from a health professional that often includes taking prescription antibiotics.
It is also important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Continue breast-feeding on both breasts throughout your treatment. For more information, see the topic Mastitis While Breast-Feeding.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: May 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine | |
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