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
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.
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.