In the spirit of having just had the WORST clogged duct of all three of my breastfeeding journeys, I felt what better time to share all my favorite ways to relieve those stubborn clogged ducts.
Let me preface this to say that I am not a lactation consultant, ICBLC, or healthcare professional. I am only speaking from my own experience as a mom of three.
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So what IS a clogged duct?
If you’re a new mom breastfeeding or pumping for your baby or you’re pregnant with your first, you may be wondering what a clogged duct is in the first place. Simply put, it’s exactly what it sounds like…a milk duct that has gotten clogged and backed up. This happens when there’s inflammation in there that makes the milk pathways more narrow. You usually feel a hard lump and it tends to cause a good bit of pain. Aaaand if you don’t deal with it, it can lead to mastitis (an infection in your breast), which is no fun at all. But not to scare you, clogged ducts are super common and as long as you address them quickly, most of the time they’re decently easy to get rid of.
What causes clogged ducts?
Ultimately, a clogged milk duct is caused by milk not being fully drained from your breast. This can happen when baby goes longer between feedings or if a feeding/pumping session is skipped. Clogged ducts can also form when a woman decides not to breastfeed after giving birth or when their breastfeeding journey has come to an end and they are working to dry their supply. Oversupply of breastmilk, poor latch from baby, a restrictive bra or one that has underwires, or anything else that compresses your breast are also big causes of clogged ducts. All this can cause inflammation that restricts milk flow.
Clogged ducts are super common when a mom’s milk is coming in after birth and supply is regulating. Or at least, that’s when the majority of mine have happened.
So how do you get rid of clogged ducts?
I’ll share 5 ways that have helped me get rid of my clogged ducts quickly!
1. Breastfeeding and/or Pumping Regularly:
This is the first thing I try when I have a clogged duct. I let baby try to suck it out by nursing, with a good latch, because baby’s suck is way more efficient than a breast pump.
If baby doesn’t get it or if baby doesn’t have a good latch yet, I’ll try pumping with the highest suction that is comfortable.
Try to stick to feeding on demand or pumping on schedule though. Doing so more frequently can signal your body to make more milk and can lead to oversupply which can just make things worse.
2. Ice pack and ibuprofen:
In the past I would use moist heat a few minutes before nursing/pumping to help get the milk flowing. That’s what was recommended. However, ABM has recently changed that and is now recommending ice packs or a cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time and ibuprofen or Tylenol every 8 hours. The ice helps ease inflammation and opens those pathways up to clear the backup of breastmilk.
These little gel pads on Amazon are my favorite! (https://amzn.to/3ZiWNgw) You can use them for ice and heat and they come with a little pocket for comfort. And they fit easily in your bra so you’re not stuck laying there holding an ice pack. They were also super easy and convenient to take and use in the NICU.
3. Massage:
Also, gently massaging your breast while nursing and/or pumping can really help get things flowing again. This has been my most successful strategy for me over the years.
Just a warning, it can hurt like hell to massage that spot but it’s a purposeful pain. Some recommend going at it really hard, but gentle is the way to go so you don’t cause more inflammation. I just focus on the relief that will come when I finally work it out. Just be sure you’re massaging downward, towards your nipple.
4. Vibration:
They now make a handy, little tool for breastfeeding/pumping mommas that produce heat and vibration. That vibration can sometimes help gently jiggle the clog and get things flowing smoothly again. Several different brands make them now but this is the one that a friend gifted to me (https://amzn.to/3FUJ7S9)! And some Target stores actually carry them in-store now.
You can also try an electric toothbrush, hair clippers, or really anything else that has a good vibration. I turn it on, hold it over that lump for a minute, then slowly and gently move it down my boob to try and work out the clog.
5. Hand expressing in a the shower:
When pumping and nursing isn’t working, my next strategy to try is hand expressing in the shower. This one is a little tough when I’m home by myself with the kiddos, but I try to get in long enough to give it a try. A warm shower is a nice relief in and of itself anyways!
6. Haakaa with warm water and epsom salt:
If you have a Haakaa, you can put it to work to help remove a clog.
Fill it almost all the way with warm water…leave enough room to be able to put it on…add 1-2 tbs of Epsom salts, then place it on your boob and leave it there for about 10-ish minutes.
When I put mine on, I flip back the top, squeeze the bulb, place the opening over my nipple, flip the top onto my breast, and release my squeeze and it should give it a suction. Leaving that suction there for a little bit can help suck that clog out.
If you don’t have a haakaa yet, this one from Amazon (https://amzn.to/3LSOvc9) is the one I use! They make some that come with a stand and lid, but I just saved the money and put mine inside a coffee mug after I take it off. That keeps it safe and upright till I’m ready to store it…no crying over spilled milk here 🙂
7. Sunflower lecithin:
So this one is more of a preventative measure. It usually takes a couple days to be affective. So if you’ve got a really painful clogged duct, this one may not be your best option.
But sunflower lecithin thins breastmilk making it less sticky and helps prevent milk from getting backed up. It’s great to use when clogged ducts are happening a lot.
When my first son was born preterm, I had to pump for him for a while. I ended up having a big oversupply and I got TONS of clogged ducts. Sunflower lecithin helped big time to stop them from continuously recurring.
The favorite amongst my mom friends is from Legendairy Milk! Target sells it online or you can find it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/3z5BmVE.
You’re bound to have at least one go with clogged ducts while breastfeeding but hopefully these tips will help you clear it quickly!
It’s always a good idea to meet with a lactation consultant if you have persistent issues with clogged ducts. It’s also a reeeaaally good idea to see your doctor if you are having trouble clearing a clog and you also start having other symptoms like fever, chills and body aches…those can be a sign of mastitis!
You’re doing a great job, mama…in case no one has told you today.
Breastfeeding and/or pumping is hard work.
