How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.

How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.

We all know the many benefits of breastfeeding for us and our babies. If we all know how healthy breastfeeding is, why is it that 80% of moms start nursing right after birth, and by 3 months, only half are still nursing? Because breastfeeding challenges are real. They keep you up at night, and they hurt! Issues like breast engorgement, poor latch, tongue tie, sore nipples, low milk supply, problems with infant weight gain, clogged milk ducts, and mastitis are painful. They can be incredibly discouraging, especially if the mother does not have a reliable support system to help her through difficult times. 

 

Today's post is about how to treat clogged milk ducts and prevent mastitis. I'll give you practical midwifery tips that encourage and support you to continue to breastfeed your baby.

Listen on SoundCloud: 



Watch on Youtube: 

 


First Days of Breastfeeding

The first few weeks postpartum require a steep learning curve when it comes to learning how to nurse your baby. The first few days after birth, you have colostrum that is more like medicine than like food. It comes out in thick yellow drops. But when your milk comes in, your breast will most likely feel very full, heavy, and engorged! When you nurse, you can hear your baby sucking and swallowing. Your milk just flows out. You might even leak milk. This is a very satisfying feeling.  


In the early days of breastfeeding, you have to navigate engorgement, figure out how to get a good latch and care for sore nipples. So, this is the most common time to get a clogged milk duct.  


Clogged milk ducts can happen at other times too- We'll get into that later.

 

mastitis and clogged milk ducts

Breast Anatomy

Your breast is filled with mammary tissue and glands that produce milk. The milk travels tubes or vessels to the nipple. These tubes are called milk ducts. These milk ducts clog easily. If the milk gets trapped and does not leave the breast, the ducts fill up and swell, causing a hard, red, hot, and painful lump in your breast.

 

 

mastitis and clogged milk ducts

Image 

 

 

Clogged Milk Duct vs. Mastitis

When the milk gets trapped in the duct, that is called a clogged milk duct. If the milk is not evacuated via nursing, hand expressing or pumping bacteria can grow in the stagnant milk and become a breast infection called mastitis. 

 

Clogged milk ducts proceed mastitis, so all the tips I'm about to share with you will also address and hopefully prevent a mastitis infection. Mastitis feels like a clogged duct does, but way worse. It is like having the flu! Your breasts are hot, red, swollen, and now you have a fever, body aches, chills, and your milk might have pus or blood in it. Did I mention that it hurts?

 

 

engorgement clogged duct and mastitis

Photo Credit lansinoh.co.uk/engorgement

Two things are critical to say here:

  1.  Your milk duct is infected, not your milk! Please keep nursing or pumping!
  2.  If you get these symptoms, you need to see your midwife or doctor. This video does not replace midwifery care! Yes, there are natural home remedies to treat mastitis, but your care provider needs to know how sick you are so they can help you. Please don't go through this alone.

 

 

mastitis and clogged milk ducts

The 3 Most Common Causes of a Clogged Milk Duct

1. The most common cause is engorgement.  Engorgement happens when your milk supply is getting established. In the early days of nursing, your body makes extra milk to ensure your baby's best chance of survival.  

 

Engorgement also happens when your baby misses a feeding session. Babies need to nurse every 2-3 hours during a 24 hour period with one longer sleeping session of 4-6 hours in that period until they are back to their birth weight. So when your baby sleeps through the night for the first time, as wonderful as it sounds, you might wake up to engorgement and clogged ducts the next morning.

 

 

mastitis and clogged milk ducts, poor latch causing nipple pain, low milk supply and clogged milk ducts

 

 

2. The baby has a poor latch. Latching the baby when your breasts are engorged is a challenge in and of itself. Because during the first few days of learning to nurse, your breasts were soft. Now that your milk is coming in, they feel tender, and they are firm and full. This makes it hard for the baby to latch onto and effectively pull the milk out. 

 

A poor latch can also be from not having the baby in a good nursing position. Or from nursing in the same position all the time. And it could also happen if the baby has a lip or tongue tie.  See our blog about tongue-tie.

 

 

breastfeeding with a tongue tie, mastitis and clogged milk ducts

 

 

For pumping moms, it might be that they are not using the right size flange. Briefly, if the areola is being sucked into the flange, then it is too big. If the nipple is rubbing on the edges of the flange, it is too small. Either way, it causes nipple pain, and it ineffectively clears the breast leading to clogged ducts and potentially mastitis.  See our post about sore nipples.

 

 

Sore nipples from breastfeeding, mastitis and clogged milk ducts

 

3- Your breasts are restricted! Avoid wearing tight bras and underwire bras. Getting a good nursing bra or tank top will be supportive and more comfortable for you without restricting milk flow.

 

You can accidentally restrict the flow of milk if you are holding your breast too tightly as you nurse, or are pressing the pump up against your breast too forcefully.

 

Another "restriction" might happen if you sleep on your breast or stomach. I've helped several moms who slept on their stomachs because they couldn't for so long because of being pregnant, only to awaken and realize now they can't sleep that way because of their full breasts.

 

 

Symptoms of a Clogged Milk Duct

You will notice hard red lumps that feel warm and tender on your breasts, near your armpit and lymph nodes, that do not go away after nursing.

 

Symptoms of Mastitis 

The symptoms of mastitis are the same as a clogged milk duct now add fatigue, fever, body aches, chills, and your milk may have pus or blood in it.  The milk is not ruined or bad. However, it may taste salty, and your baby might refuse the breast if that's the case pump or hand express instead.

Mastitis must be treated! If you've gone over 24 hours of home treatment and are still feeling feverish without any improvement, please contact your midwife or doctor.

 

     

    Herbal tea for mastitis and clogged milk ducts

     

    Home Treatments for Mastitis and Clogged Milk Ducts

    Do some of these things, or do all of these things, but no matter what you do, don't stop nursing!  

     

    My mentor used to say, "Heat, rest, and empty the breast!" Now that is some sound advice.  If you feel yourself getting a milk clogged duct, take care of it right away! Because if you don't, you will be forced to lay down if you get the full-on flu-like mastitis infection

       

      • 1- Wet Heat  Examples of wet heat are showers, compresses, and baths. Moist heat works better than dry heat at moving the clogged milk. Alternating hot and cold is another effective way to loosen the clog. The heat expands the breast tissues, and the cold contracts the muscles. This expansion and contraction of the tissues creates movement, improves circulation, and prevents infection.

       

      • Hot showers-Angle the hot water directly on the lump while you're in the shower massage your breast.

       

      • Baths- Baths are great because you can lay on your side and get your whole breast in the water. If you are taking a postpartum herb bath, your newborn baby can get in too and nurse while you massage and rest.

       

      Postpartum Herb Bath for mastitis and clogged milk ducts

       

      • Hot compresses can be simple with warm water on a washcloth. I used to tell my clients to pull out their crockpot, fill it with fresh water, clean washcloths, and add :

       

    • Ginger Root- The warmth and stimulation of ginger can help encourage the movement of lymph and milk. 

      1. Herbs for postpartum bath for mastitis and clogged milk ducts

        Other types of compresses worth mentioning are:

        • Castor Oil Compresses can pull or draw the clog out. Just be mindful not to get any of it on your nipple and clean it off really thoroughly before nursing.

         

        • Grated Raw White Potato Compresses are cool and relieve the hot inflammation. Potatoes are astringent and good at pulling and drawing things out. It's a little messy, but it feels and works really well. Side note, potatoes make great compresses for bee stings and bug bites too!

         

        Breast massage for mastitis and clogged milk ducts

         

        2- Breast Massage You can massage yourself while in the shower, bath, or with a compress to enhance its effectiveness. Or use coconut oil when you are dry. You have to gently but firmly massage the clog so you can empty your breast. You want to make circular motions from the outside edge of your breast toward the nipple. Follow the path the milk travels. I have a short breastfeeding massage and stretching video for you. The link is in the description.

          

        3- Change Nursing Positions  We learn how to nurse in stages. We master one position before we learn the next one. However, if you only nurse in one position, you are not emptying the breast effectively. The baby has such a strong sucking ability, but if he only nurses in one position, he is only pulling milk from one angle. You have to get creative and nurse in every possible position that angles the babies chin toward the clog.


        Utilizing gravity is very helpful! Try to dangle nurse. If you ever had to sit in the back seat and lean over the car seat and nurse your baby while your partner drives, then you already know what dangle nursing is. A more comfortable way to dangle nurse is to lay the baby down on the floor or bed and get on your hands and knees over the baby and nurse that way. 

         

        I have one quick tip for exclusively pumping moms that I want to give. After your pumping session, hand express both breasts because you might still have some residual milk in the ducts that can get clogged.

         

        pumping and breastfeeding moms need to hand express to get all the milk out of the milk ducts


        4- Rest and Nourish! Rest like you have the flu! Drink at least a gallon of water and lots of immune-boosting herbal teas, eat chicken noodle soup or bone broth with plenty of fresh garlic, eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir or pickles, crawl in bed, get skin to skin and nurse your baby! 

         

        Supplements and Herbs for Mastitis

        • Sunflower lecithin helps thin out your breastmilk so it can flow better. It is also an excellent supplement for brain health for you and your baby. So if you are prone to clogged ducts or mastitis, then consider adding this to your daily routine. Just take one capsule with your meals.

           

          Echinacea Immune support herbal supplement for cold and flu

           

          • Antimicrobial Herbs such as Garlic, Echinacea, Elderberry, Thyme, and Oregon Grape Root are great infection fighters and immune boosters that are safe for breastfeeding moms. If you have our Elderberry Complex Tincture or our  then you have a remedy for your clogged milk duct and your whole family's immune health!

           

          • Probiotics promote healthy gut flora and support our micro-biome. When our gut is healthy, so is the rest of our bodies. Research has shown that the strains of Lactobacillus fermentum and Salivarius are more effective treatments for mastitis than traditional antibiotics. Plus, they maintain and improve gut health, whereas antibiotics destroy gut flora taking six months or more to repair.

           

          • Vitamin C Supports a healthy immune system.

           

          One last thing I should say, your breasts should feel better after these treatments. However, you might feel sore or bruised because you stimulated and massaged your tender tissues. You have to notice the signs your body is giving you to determine if this tenderness is a part of your recovery process or a continuation of your infection.

           

          a good latch prevents mastitis and clogged milk ducts

           

          Well, beautiful, I hope this video helps you get relief and prevents this from happening again. Know that you are doing all the right things! Challenges in breastfeeding are normal and to be expected as a part of the process. You got this! I know you can do it!

           

          I sincerely hope this post supports your breastfeeding journey!

           

          Hugs and remember to let your love and your milk flow!

          Maria

          🌿

           

          🌿Want More?!? Check These Out! 🌿
          Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth
          7 Tips for Breastfeeding Success
          The Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide 
          Breastfeeding 101- Best Breastfeeding Practices
          Four Healthy Habits to Start on Your Baby’s First Day
           8 Things I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Giving Birth!


          How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.
          Why Do I Have a Low Milk Supply?
          How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply Quickly
          Treating Nipple Thrush Naturally
          How to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
          How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

          Herbs To Avoid While Breastfeeding
          Benefits of Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
          Safe Herbs for Breastfeeding With A Cold
          Breastfeeding While Sick


          The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
          Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
          Four Common Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions
          Three Lactation Problems and How to Solve Them
          Three Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

          How to Include Your Partner While Breastfeeding


          How Often Should I Breastfeed?
          How to Wake a Sleepy Newborn to Breastfeed
          Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
          Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
           4 Signs Your Baby is Having a Growth Spurt


          Breastfeeding A Baby with Tongue or Lip Tie

          Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section

          Breastfeeding in Special Circumstances
          Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

            Breastfeeding a Pre-Term Baby
            Tandem Breastfeeding
            Breastfeeding Twins


            Do I Need A Breast Pump?
            Pumping Breast Milk to Return to Work


            Breastfeeding Nutrition
            Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
            How to Know If You’re Dehydrated While Nursing
            Breastfeeding Boosts Babies' Immune Systems and Prevents Illness


            Breastfeeding Saves Sleep
            Safe Co Sleeping with Your Baby


            Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant
            Breastfeeding in Public
            Breastfeeding and Sex
            Breastfeeding and Birth Control
             The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Menstruation
            When Will My Menstrual Cycle Return After Having a Baby


            Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding
            How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows
            Five Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Six Months
            Weaning Gently and Intuitively


            Is CBD Oil Safe for Breastfeeding and Lactation?
            Can I Drink Alcohol and Breastfeed?
            How My Breastfeeding Failure Was My Biggest Win
            Common Holiday Breastfeeding Issues and How to Prevent Them!
            Re-Lactation and Induced Lactation: Breastfeeding After a Break or When You Never Have
             
             
            Remember to:
            Like our Birth Song Botanicals Facebook Page
            Follow Birth Song Botanicals Co. on Instagram
            Read our Birth Song Botanicals Blog

            Watch Birth Song Botanicals on Youtube

            Listen to Birth Song Botanicals on SoundCloud
            Be inspired by Birth Song Botanicals on Pinterest 


             
              Breastfeeding 101- how to breastfeed

              

            Related Posts

            Stay Healthy As You Travel with Kids This Holiday Season
            Stay Healthy As You Travel with Kids This Holiday Season
            Whether you're traveling by car or by plane you have a lot to pack and prioritize when you travel as a family over the h
            Read More
            4 of the Best Immune Boosting Herbal Teas for the Cold and Flu Season
            4 of the Best Immune Boosting Herbal Teas for the Cold and Flu Season
            Now is the time to cuddle up with a cup of herbal tea to warm you and keep your immune system strong and steady. Are you
            Read More
            Herbs and Practices for Grief and Disappointment
            Herbs and Practices for Grief and Disappointment
             At some point in our lives, we all face moments where our efforts don’t yield the outcomes we so deeply desired. Maybe
            Read More