Breastfeeding is a special and sacred bond between mama and baby that’s hard to explain to someone who’s never experienced it before. It’s far greater than “just” feeding your child. It’s as if time stops, and it’s just you and your baby, connecting in a shared moment. However, even special moments like breastfeeding can have drawbacks, including mastitis and clogged ducts.
Clogged ducts and mastitis are common in those who exclusively breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics shared that 1 in 5 moms get clogged ducts, and yet it’s not widely discussed or dissected until after a diagnosis is given. However, moms don’t have to wait to be in pain to do something about it.
If you are planning to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the science behind mastitis and clogged ducts, what some of the symptoms are, how to treat them, and how to potentially prevent mastitis and clogged ducts from recurring.
What Are Clogged Ducts And Mastitis?
The number of ducts varies from mother to mother, but the National Institutes of Health reports that it can range from 4 to 20 per nipple. With multiple ducts to feed milk to the nipple, clogged ducts can happen from time to time if breastfeeding isn’t consistent.
Clogged ducts occur when milk can’t flow evenly throughout the nipple, causing a lump or bump due to the blockage. Breasts have a network-like method for producing milk thanks to mammary glands. Milk will continue to flow through other ducts when one is clogged, but the condition can worsen if left untreated.
When a clogged duct remains untreated, it can progress to mastitis. Mastitis and clogged ducts are related but distinct.
Mastitis is a more severe case of a clogged duct that may need medical attention. While clogged ducts are more localized or in one place, mastitis can overwhelm the breast, becoming severely enlarged because of inflammation.
A mastitis-infected breast will be red, and an infection can follow. Infection from a clogged duct can lead to flu-like symptoms. Those with mastitis will often need antibiotics.
Here Are The Signs Of Mastitis And Clogged Ducts
There are some telltale signs that may indicate clogged ducts or mastitis.
- Small or large bumps
- Red or pink breast
- A large or inflamed breast compared to the other one
- Fever-like symptoms are a sign of mastitis
The blockage of milk to the nipple will cause a round lump to appear. Depending on the size of the blockage, some lumps are small while others are visually large.
Due to inflammation in the area, breasts with a clogged duct will be tender and painful to the touch. If you look in the mirror, a mastitis symptom is when your breast may appear larger than the other one. This is due to inflammation, with your breast not allowing milk to let down.
If your breast is tender, has a red tint, and you feel a fever coming on, this could mean your clogged duct turned into mastitis, and a trip to your doctor’s office should be immediate.
Milk Bleb: Some people have clogged ducts closer towards the nipple and within the mammary glands. These are called Milk Blebs. These clogged ducts typically appear as blisters or white dots on the nipple. Milk blebs typically resolve on their own and don’t require medical attention.
How Do Women Get Clogged Ducts?
Clogged ducts occur when milk is obstructed from releasing from the network of glands, but why do they get blocked? Here are some of the most common reasons that ducts get clogged.
Change in Schedule: The biggest culprit is a change in schedule as your baby gets older. Skipping feedings because your little one has started solids or is sleeping longer is a common trigger for milk backup and slower release.
An Improper Latch: Other times, blockages occur because of your baby’s latch. A poor or ineffective latch can cause clogged ducts because the release isn’t efficient enough for the volume of milk.
Tight Clothing: Believe it or not, the clothes you wear play into your milk supply. Clothing that is too tight can put external pressure on your breast, compressing the ducts. Wearing loose but supportive nursing bras and shirts will be far more comfortable and healthier for your breasts.
An Oversupply: Some women have an oversupply of milk, which sounds like a dream if you’re having trouble keeping your supply up, but an oversupply can cause a few physical issues, like clogged ducts. This is when there’s so much milk coming through the breast that it can’t be released quickly enough.
Stress: Stress, along with fatigue, anemia, and a weakened immune system, can lead to clogged ducts.
Here’s How To Treat Mastitis And Clogged Ducts
Now that you know how clogged ducts and mastitis are formed, there are a few ways to treat a breast that has been infiltrated by a clogged duct or mastitis.
Breastfeed or Pump: Although it may be painful, one of the best ways to unclog a duct is to continue breastfeeding or pumping. Only feed or pump as needed; doing too much can cause additional stress to the area. However, continuing your breastfeeding journey is the start of getting things back to normal.
Ice and Heat: Clogged ducts and mastitis can inflame the breast, causing swelling. To reduce swelling, apply ice to the area for 10-20 minutes every 2 hours (or as needed). The chill can provide temporary relief while reducing inflammation. Heat isn’t necessarily needed, but you can gently massage the breast in a warm shower. Breast massage should be as gentle as petting a cat.
Pain Medication: NSAIDs, such as Advil and Ibuprofen, are traditional pain medications that can relieve pain and flu-like symptoms.
As mentioned, if mastitis arises, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor.
There are some untraditional and holistic ways to treat clogged ducts. While these aren’t necessarily prescribed by doctors, some moms found relief through these methods.
Cabbage Leaves: Cold or room-temperature cabbage leaves are said to help with inflamed breasts. Simply peel the leaves off and place them on your breasts or inside your bra for 20 minutes. Cabbage naturally has sulphur compounds, which reduce swelling. However, cabbage leaves can also reduce milk production, so it’s important to continue feeding and pumping as usual.
Lecithin: Lecithin, specifically sunflower lecithin, is known to help with clogged ducts. Scientifically, sunflower lecithin is a fat emulsifier that makes milk thinner or less sticky, making it easier for milk to flow through ducts without clogging.
Note About Castor Oil Use: Some organizations suggest applying castor oil to the breast (avoiding the nipple); however, organizations such as Kaiser Permanente implicitly suggest avoiding soaking your breasts in Epsom salt or castor oil for clogged ducts. That advice is echoed by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and other health guidelines from various agencies.
Simple Ways To Prevent Clogged Ducts From Recurring
Not every breastfeeding mom gets clogged ducts or mastitis, but it’s wise to know how to prevent them from happening to avoid a painful few days.
Consistent Feeds: Whether you have a strict or loose schedule, feed your baby when they’re hungry or need comfort. Delaying breastfeeding when the milk comes down can create an oversupply, which can potentially turn into clogged ducts.
Positions: Breastfeeding in different positions helps you fully empty the breast. Be sure to switch breasts while breastfeeding to ensure both breasts are producing milk at the same time.
Good Latch: If you have a newborn, have a lactation specialist or nurse check the baby’s latch to ensure a proper latch is happening during feedings. Inadequate latches can lead to shorter feedings, which could turn into clogged ducts since milk isn’t properly released.
Loose Clothing: Wearing loose clothing supports healthy breasts. When bras are too tight, they constrict the natural size or flow of the milk ducts.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about clogged ducts or mastitis. If you are experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or arrange for alternative safe transportation to the nearest emergency room.