One thing that I wasn’t warned me about when I started my journey were Clogged Milk Ducts. Oh yeah and they can be painful. Clogged ducts are actually very common, and lucky for me mine never lasted longer than 24 hours. I wish you all the same kind of luck.
What is a clogged milk duct
A Woman’s breast is made of glandular tissues that produce milk. The Milk is produced in Lobules and travels through tiny tubes called ducts, which connect to openings in the skin at the nipples. Sometimes those ducts get clogged, for example If you are producing breast milk more quickly than it is getting expressed, it may end up being backed up in the duct. The moment this happens, the tissue around the duct may swell up, causing inflammation which may lead to a blockage.
How do you know you have a clogged milk duct
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate you are having a clogged duct. They include;
- Redness on the breast.
- Having a very tender spot in your breast as well as a hard lump which is sore to the touch
- Swelling or having a hot sensation which may feel better after breastfeeding the baby.
- Having an achy letdown accompanied with a fever could be a symptom you are having a clogged duct and it has become infected.
*If this condition is left unattended, it could worsen and become mastitis* Please do not ignore these signs and symptoms.
How long do clogged milk ducts last
If you have a clogged milk duct, it will continue to persist until the moment you unclog it. It is important to treat this condition right way and be persistent. This should not be something you take lightly. If the condition of clogged milk goes beyond the period of two days and you still have found no relief, this could be serious. You should immediately see your doctor because this may have worsened to become mastitis. Mastitis makes a lactating mother experience a severe fever which makes them feel achy and fatigued. Please don’t hesitate from seeing the doctor if you start experiencing these symptoms.
Causes of a clogged duct
One thing that is certain is that clogged ducts normally occur if your breasts are not becoming completely emptied regularly. There are conditions that lead to this.
- Using a pump that does not have enough power to suckle all the milk
- There is too much time in between feedings or pumping sessions
- You have abruptly weaned your baby
- If the duct becomes damaged or compressed as a result of pressure from a nursing bra that’s too tight
- Sleeping on your stomach
- Having an illness which would make you not want to feed your baby as regularly as normal
- Being under stress lowers the rate at which you produce oxytocin which is the hormone responsible for releasing milk
- Having recent surgery like a breast biopsy. The part of the breast that was operated on may actually interfere with the drainage of milk and ultimately cause the duct to blo
All this may cause milk to be trapped inside a duct.
How to Unclog Milk Ducts
Are you suffering from clogged milk ducts? Here are some actions you can take to get the milk flowing.
- Emptying the breast: The method you can use is to give the baby the affected breast first even though it will be painful and then go to the other. While doing this, ensure that the child drains the breast thoroughly in each and every feed. If the baby does not suck it all up, you can use a pump and ensure you drain all the milk out of the breast in slow drips rather than a steady stream.
- Loosen it up a bit: Many times clogged ducts are caused by pressure exerted from external sources such as a tight bra. Ensure the bra you wear is comfortable and not too tight. It should not have any underwire at all.
- Switch it up: Try changing your breastfeeding positions, this will ensure that the milk ducts gets stimulated equally.
- Make it Warm: My favorite technique is applying heat to the affected breast while compressing it with a cloth that has been dipped in hot water (You could also use a heating pad). Also standing under a hot shower stream and allowing water to hit the breasts on the spots that are affected works well
- Rub it down: Always massage the breast while breastfeeding. This can help loosen the clog, try doing it in a circular motion right on the lump itself.
- Use a Mature Mouth: Call in your Significant other for backup (it works).
How to Prevent Clogged Milk Ducts
There are several things one can do to prevent clogged milk ducts in the future.
- Ensuring that you breastfeed regularly and avoid becoming engorged.
- Use a pump to empty your breast fully the moment your baby completes feeding.
- Dress in a way that you do not exert pressure on your breasts (No Underwire).
- Just like your baby, No sleeping on your stomach.
- Constantly change your nursing position in order to allow the baby to drain the milk completely from all the parts of the breast.
- Wash your breast with warm water after every session of breastfeeding.
- Most Importantly drink an adequate amount of water
Conclusion
Clogged Milk Ducts are Common, but they are no joke. You could be getting clogged ducts because you are taking a long time to drain the milk out of your breast. Definitely avoid long periods in between feedings. You may also be exerting excessive pressure on your breast and hence causing the clogged ducts. Remember to make sure that the bras you use are fitting well. When clogged milk is left untreated, it may worsen to mastitis. Mastitis is a serious condition and you should seek the help of a doctor.