Blocked Milk Ducts
Milk ducts in the breast may become blocked during breast-feeding
when the breasts are full and not emptied regularly or thoroughly. Blocked milk
ducts cause a lump that is sometimes tender and can become infected
(mastitis).
Blocked milk ducts may be treated by:
- Breast-feeding more often and in different
positions, which helps drain milk from all parts of the breast.
- Breast-feeding from the affected breast first, to move milk
through the breast faster.
- Applying moist heat to the area just
before breast-feeding and hand-expressing or pumping a small amount of milk.
- Massaging the area, always working toward the nipple, to increase
the flow of milk before and during breast-feeding.
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