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Breastfeeding Challenges: Clogged Milk Ducts
Breastfeeding is not without its challenges, issues can arise throughout the time you are breastfeeding your baby. One of the most common challenges women face is clogged milk ducts. Some women will breastfeed multiple babies and never experience this complication, while others will have it happen multiple times. There are many things that can cause clogged milk ducts, and luckily it is pretty simple to self treat if you catch it early and do your best to work through it.
Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a mother. Your own body is producing milk that provides your baby with everything she needs as she starts her life. Once you get over the challenge of figuring out what you are doing in the beginning it becomes a lot easier and can really help to simplify your life as a new mom. However, it is not without its ups and downs, challenges can continue to arise. Continued breastfeeding is usually the best way to over come any challenges you may face, including clogged milk ducts.
Lucky me, I just got over my first (and hopefully only) experience with a clogged milk duct. It was painful and uncomfortable but through continued breastfeeding and a few extra little tricks I was able to get over it in just a few hours. More on that later.
So what are clogged milk ducts? Clogged milk ducts are just that, milk ducts that have become clogged, they also become inflamed and sore. This happens when milk fails to adequately drain from the duct. You will likely feel a hard spot in your breast, and it will be sore or tender to the touch. Some women experience redness on the skin of their breast as well. I found it was similar to engorgement but only in one isolated spot on the breast.
Milk ducts become clogged when milk fails to drain completely from the duct. There are many causes for this failure to drain including:
- Wearing a nursing bra that does not fit properly, either too constricting or has underwire that is pressing on a milk duct.
- An incomplete or skipped feeding.
- An inadequate breast pump that doesn’t drain the breast properly.
- Any sort of illness, like a cold or the flu.
- Increased stress.
- Sleeping on your stomach (it can put too much pressure on the milk ducts).
- Or it could happen for no apparent reason at all.
Clogged milk ducts can become infected if left untreated so it is important to do what you can to release the clog as soon as you recognize it has occurred. Luckily you can pretty easily self treat a clogged milk duct. For some women though self treatment is not enough and medication is required. Continued breastfeeding is the most important part of tackling the clog so even if it is painful you should continue to breastfeed through this challenge. Here are a few things you can try to help get the milk duct unclogged.
- Frequent breastfeeding.
- Pump after the breastfeeding session to ensure the breast has been completely drained.
- Start each breastfeeding session on the affected breast until the clog has resolved.
- Massage the affected area frequently and firmly.
- Apply a warm compress prior to breastfeeding.
- Vary your nursing position, many women find it helpful to point the baby’s chin towards the spot on the breast where the clogged milk duct is.
- Some women find it helpful to get more vitamin C (drink your orange juice!).
- Rest (I know, not the easiest thing to do with a baby).
The things that I found most helpful were frequent breastfeeding, always starting on the affected breast, pumping after the breastfeeding session to make sure it had been drained, massaging the area, and using a warm compress. I noticed the clogged milk duct when I went to bed one night and was able to get it unclogged by midmorning the next day.
There is a risk of infection with a clogged milk duct so keep an eye on things, if you begin running a fever or have flu-like symptoms call your doctor. If you are unsure if what you are experiencing is a clogged milk duct call you doctor or go see a lactation consultant. You should also call your doctor if you don’t seem to be able to get the duct unclogged with the self treatment techniques, you may have an infection or another issue going on.
Have you ever experienced a clogged milk duct, or any other breastfeeding complications? What worked for you to help get things moving again?
I found this and I’m hoping someone can relate to help. I had the white blister. Poked it with the needle 2 days ago, and got the milk out. For some reason, even though the clog is gone, the white tip is there, it’s extremely sensitive and VERY painful. I had the same white tip with my 1st dghtr 4yrs ago but don’t remember whether I am supposed to pick it off little by little (OUCH!), or let it heal and go away eventually. It’s already been 2 days and it’s not going away. The milk is working just fine, but the pain from this stupid white tip hurts so bad. How do I get rid of it? Please help.
Crystal M,
I have the same thing right now actually. I’m not sure exactly what to do, but I am just leaving it to let it heal on its own. It is sensitive but the milk comes out fine so I figure I won’t mess with it. I hope that helps.
Thank you for this information!! I’ve had a clogged duct all day and read on here about the “blister”…I searched and searched, finally found what I thought might be the blister and took a clean needle to it. IT WORKED!! Everything cleared up quickly with my pump and I am so relieved!
Could someone tell me exactly what they are doing for the warm compresses and how long to leave them on? And then, when I pump how long should i pump for???
Amanda,
When I had a clogged milk duct I did the warm compresses for about 5-10 minutes before I breastfed. After I fed my daughter I would pump for about 5-10 minutes on the side that had the clog. I had to do that two or three times and then the clog was relieved.
Wow…that was the best advice I’ve had in awhile! I woke up this morning with half my breast hard and sore and tried everything including hot shower, feeding baby lots, pumping, rubbing…then I noticed the tiny white mark on my nipple and used my nail to just barely nick it….instantly milk started pouring out and I pumped 3 ounces out in 30 seconds…no more clog, no more pain…
Thank you!!!!
Last weekend I noticed a white spot on my nipple (noticed Friday, 06/05). On Sunday, 06/07, I woke up with severe pain on the inside of that breast. With a warm compress, massage, and pumping, the pain went away, but not the white spot. Tonight (06/13) I took a long hot shower and tried to “pop” the spot. Nothing is working. How exactly do you go about popping it? I tried popping it like a zit, sqeezing, and poking it with a needle (to the point that I was bleeding). I don’t know what else to do, but I want the pain when I’m feeding to go away. She still eats from that side (9 months old), but it is unbelievably painful. Please help.
Sue,
I was never able to get my spot to go away by popping it. I had to let it go away on it’s own. During nursing I experienced pain for the first couple of minutes but then it subsided. Eventually the spot went away on it’s own. I would say just leave it for now and if it still bothers you or it doesn’t go away call a lactation consultant or your doctor.
Hi,
I think I have blocked duck. Milk is not coming out from my right breast.
I could see white blister but not sure how to pop it out. Can you please let me know the ways to pop it out?
much appreciated.
Leena,
I used a sterilized pin. I think that is what a lot of women do. Be careful not to damage the nipple.
Lisa
Thanks Lisa.
What should I give to my baby in the mean time? He is not having any milk for long time.
What is the best?
Leena,
Are you not getting any milk out of the other breast either? I would keep trying him on the side with the clog as him sucking will help alleviate the clog but also make sure he gets on the other side as well so you know he is getting enough to eat. If you are concerned if he is getting enough to eat stop by the doctor’s office to get him weighed and ask if you should supplement.
Thanks Lisa..
You’ve been a great help.
Rina,
I’m glad you found some helpful tips. It is always such a relief when a clogged milk duct goes away
Thank you thank you thank you! I have had the little white blister on my nipple for 3-4 days now and a recurrent clog that just wouldn’t go away for good. Today it was getting so bad and nothing I did was helping, but I was afraid to try and pop the blister. Then I found this and am surprised to find it is so common! I had several clogged ducts when I was nursing my son, and this is my 3rd with my daughter (6 months), so I am no stranger to clogged ducts, but this is the first time I have seen the white blister. I had to try popping it several times (it just made it bleed at first), but it finally worked! I feel so much better! Thanks!
Jenna,
I’m glad you found some relief.
This sight was so helpful. One thing to mention – the blister didn’t show up until a few hours of heat and nursing for me. I would keep checking because it was not getting any better – almost worse! but thankfully my son I think cleared one and the popping of the blister cleared the rest. I think I had two ducts clogged on my right breast. OUCH! Thank you all for your posts it really helped me.
Kirsten,
I’m glad you found some relief and found this site helpful. Clogged milk ducts are no fun.
Callaway mom,
That is great. I have had tons of clogged ducts with two of my 3 children. This is the first time it hadn’t gone away with nursing and pumping in two days! So painful. Then, I noticed the white spot on my nipple. I sterilized a needle and gently took it out. it was a hard white thing. I wouldn’t call it a blister, but once it was out the milk started squirting like crazy. I think it is important that other moms know that.
This info is so very helpful. I was able to relieve my first clot tonight. I noticed it this morning when I woke up and worked all day to clear it up. I didn’t know about the needle tip, to be honest it scares me a little but if this happens again, god forbid. I might try it. How bad does it hurt and how far do u have to insert the needle? What worked for me was multiple hot showers accompanied by pushing from the back of the clot towards the nipple. (I wouldn’t call it a message…)Regular pumping and finally nursing my son on that breast with his chin pointed towards the clotted area and pushed on the clot while he nursed. It hurt like the dickens but I finally felt a sharp pain, the my breast started to soften. I didn’t realize that so many things could complicate breastfeeding. I am about to start teaching again and intend to pump at school. However, I am a little nervous about tring to sleep for longer stretches at night now that I know what can happen. Any advice about how to sleep more, because my son has started sleeping for 3-5 hours streaches at night. Do I really still have to wake up and pump every two hour? Amber
Amber,
Your body will begin to adjust to your infant’s new sleep patterns. You may feel a bit engorged the first few nights but after that your body will slow down the milk production at night when your baby sleeps for longer stretches. I would avoid waking to pump.
I tried everything – no lie. Thank you for the needle suggestion!!!!! I was in so much pain – I was cussing and yelling at everyone around me and now .. AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
ja,
I’m glad you finally found something that works. Clogged milk ducts are no fun.
THANK THANK YOU!!! About a week ago I also had an issue with what I believed is a clogged duct and tried soaking and the hot compresses and nothing worked. When I found the white spot and did what was suggested with the needle the milk just poured out. AHHHHH HAPPINESS. Today I feel like the clog is back in the same exact place so I will repeat. I was reading another blog saying that the milk blister (is what they called it) could also be caused by Thrush. This was concerning to me becuase when my baby was 4 months old he got thrush and it has just recently cleared up but as far as I know I didn’t have it. Do you think that I may now have the thrush and that is what caused this milk blister?
Joseph’s Mommie,
Typically you’ll experience sharp pains with thrush and multiple blisters. If you are worried though I would definitely see your doctor to get it checked out just in case.
Hi-i have experienced a clogged duct for the second time breastfeeding my second child who is 4.5 months old now. The first one went away very quickly with not much discomfort. This second one I noticed yesterday after pumping at work. It hurt really bad. I got home, put warm compress on, pumped, then fed my baby, then hot shower that night. It seemed to empty and I don’t think it is clogged still but its very sore at times and even more sore when its a little fuller. Is it still clogged or could it just be sore still? I’m so scared of developing an infection!
Robin,
I would keep an eye on it. It is normal for there to be some remaining discomfort after a clog, however, it shouldn’t last more than a day. If you continue to have pain without a noticeable clog or develop any other symptoms I would contact your doctor.
Thanks! It was about 24 hours, getting less and less painful. This morning it seemed to be %100 again. I think it unclogged right away but had been clogged for a few hours really bad before I could get home right away to fix it. I didn’t think about it because the pain started right after I pumped at work. I’m a sensitive girl and I think it must have gotten really irritated and inflammed before I got to it. Thank goodness it did not turn into an infection! Thank you for this site and your advice!
Robin,
No problem. Thanks for visiting. I’m glad it all worked out and you feel much better now.
I have not read all of the responses, so I apologize if this is repetitive. I’m an OB nurse and have now nursed 2 babies. With my second child I had recurrent clogged ducts. Warm compresses and immediate nursing/pumping worked best for me. I wetted a washcloth, placed into a Ziploc bag and microwaved it to warm it. I usually got it as warm as I could stand. Place the warm compress on your breast, directly over the area that’s hard and tender (the clog) for 5-10 min., then immediately put baby to breast, or pump with as much suction as you can handle. Mine usually resolved within one or two feedings. Be aware that frequent clogged ducts can sometimes go hand in hand with thrush!!
Kay,
Thanks for the tips.
help please!!!
i have a bad case of clogged ducts in my left breast, i have already developed an infection in my right one, for which i am taking antibiotics, and i have found a white blister in the right breast which i poked at and it seemed to have milk come out. but on my left nipple i don’t see anything and it is really full and painfull, i’ve tried the warm compress&b-feeding&pumping&been to the ER last night(they gave me some painkillers&had me pump with a hospital pump but it did not help at all)
Diana Sabo,
Have you tried a lactation consultant. If not I would recommend that. Usually the hospital will have lactation consultants or you can call your local La Leche League. Since you already developed an infection in your right breast working with a lactation consultant may be better to help avoid an infection in your left. It could be the baby isn’t latching properly and causing the clogs that can lead to infections.
This site was a lot of help…I have had a clog for over 24 hours now…and i started running a fever tonight so i know to go to the dr first thing in the morning…i tried all the tricks i guess that i just caught mine a little too late…but thank you for creating this site…breastfeeding moms need more help and sites like this…its not an easy job.
Nicole,
I’m glad you found the site helpful. I hope everything turns out ok and that you are able to find some relief after going to the doctor.
I ended up having to go to the ER last night at about 9:30 my fever shot up to 102.2…after waiting in the emergency room for 3 hrs i finally got called back they gave me a shot of antibiotics in the hip and wrote me a perscription…i got home at 3:00 this morning and felt TONS better by 9:00 this mornin when lil peyton woke up for his feeding…so just some advice to all those who think they can wait it out when you start running a fever or feel like you have the flu…go see your dr. ASAP!!
Nicole,
I’m glad you feel better. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the advice. Last night I had a clogged duct. I thought for sure if I just used a warm compress it would go away but it hurt so bad. Finally I found this site and looked at my nipple, sure enough I had a pinkish white spot. After I used my fingernails to pop it, I started leaking all over. I was able to pump for some relief and then nurse when he woke up at 2am. Not a fun night but at least I am feeling better. Thanks!
Leann,
Glad you found some relief. Clogged milk ducts are no fun.
HELP! I have had a clogged duct for almost a week now. I can not find any white spot, or blister. I have tried hot pack, pumping, nursing, massage, squeezing, everything! I can not get it to clear up… I have not had a fever or flu like symptoms yet but know it has probably gone on for too long. What can I do to get this cleared up? Guess I really should go to the Dr.
Holly,
I would recommend either making an appointment with a lactation consultant or your doctor. You run the risk of getting an infection if it has gone on for so long, plus it hurts so I’m sure you want to get it cleared up. I hope you get some relief soon.
I have a question. I have tried just about everything to unclog the duct that I have on my right breast. I have tried the warm compresses multiple times a day, hot baths and showers, frequent feeding/pumping, massaging, etc. I cannot get it to unclog yet. I haven’t had the blister yet, or the fever or anything like that. I know that above it is mentioned that breastfeeding with the baby’s chin towards that area helps, but how can I position him when the clogged area is on the top of my breast? I have tried the football hold, side-lying position and cradle hold as well. Figured I would ask for suggestions and attempt it one more day before calling the MD. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot. Nikki
Nikki,
It sounds like you have tried it all. If you have had the clog for more than a couple of days I would recommend calling your doctor, as clogged ducts can very easily become a breast infection. You could also call a lactation consultant if you don’t want to go to your doctor yet.
Hi, I have just found your site browsing on the Internet as I am seeking some material on yeast infections. Seems like a cool website so I bookmarked this site and intend to return tomorrow to have a more indepth read when i have more time. Keep up the good work.
I had a clogged duck yesturday but I still have the white spot on my nipple . Why has it not gone away? and what can I?
Elena,
Sometimes it takes a little while for it to go away. It is usually a little bit of hardened milk. You can try pumping to help get rid of it of see if you can pick it off with your finger nail.
Thank u now I got a clogged duck on the other breast but I got like three white spots. I remember a mom talking about thrust i’m not sure if I spelled it correct . What is that?and what does it look like?this is my first time having clogged ducks never had it with my son
Elena,
Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. You will see whitish lesions in your child’s mouth if he or she has thrush. If you see that you’ll need to take them to the doctor to be evaluated and your doctor can prescribe something to treat it. If you continue to get clogged ducts I would recommend talking with your doctor or a lactation consultant as it could be a sign of your child not latching properly and can lead to infection.
Thank you Lisa you’ve been so helpful. I really love this site I don’t have family where I live so it’s very helpful when u get answers to thing u don’t know or can’t Or can’t get answers to. Thank you
Elena,
I’m glad I could be of help.