A blocked milk duct (sometimes also called plugged or clogged milk duct) is a blockage of one or more ducts carryingmilk to thenipple for the purpose ofbreastfeeding aninfant that can causemastitis. Thesymptoms are a tender, localised lump in onebreast, with redness in the skin over the lump. The cause of a blocked milk duct is the failure to remove milk from part of the breast. This may be due to infrequent breastfeeding, poor attachment, tight clothing ortrauma to the breast. Sometimes the duct to one part of the breast is blocked by thickened milk. A blocked milk duct can be managed by improving the removal of milk and correcting the underlying cause.[1]
The most effective treatment against blocked milk ducts is to empty the affected breasts by frequent breastfeeding or pumping.[5] Numerous other treatment approaches have been suggested, however, there is insufficient clinical research to determine the effectiveness. Treatments that have been studied but have no strong evidence for or against their use:
A gentle massage of the affected breast[6] Sometimes after gentle massage over the lump, a string of the thickened milk comes out through the nipple, followed by a stream of milk, and rapid relief of the blocked duct.[1]
Ensuring a correct positioning and latching of the baby[6]
Wearing loose clothing items that do not bind the breasts[7]
^Walker, Marsha (2011).Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. p. s 534–5.ISBN9780763766511.
![[icon]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aWiki_letter_w_cropped.svg)
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.