This guide to simple ways to clear clogged milk ducts and get rid of potential mastitis is ideal for breastfeeding and pumping mamas. Clogged or blocked milk ducts are one of the most common breastfeeding challenges new moms face. They’re uncomfortable, frustrating, and if left untreated, can lead to mastitis—a painful breast infection that may require antibiotics.
Possibly, with the right steps and consistency, you can clear a clogged duct naturally and safely at home and be rid of potential mastitis. This guide will walk you through what clogged milk ducts are, how to clear them, and when to call your doctor.
- What Is a Clogged Milk Duct?
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clear a Clogged Milk Duct
- When to Call Your Doctor
- Discover more…
What Is a Clogged Milk Duct?
A clogged or blocked milk duct happens when milk flow is partially obstructed inside the breast. The milk builds up behind the blockage, creating a tender, firm lump that may feel sore or warm.
Common causes of clogged milk ducts include:
- Skipping feedings or long gaps between nursing sessions.
- Poor latch or shallow breastfeeding position.
- Switching too soon and not emptying the breast.
- Tight bras, compressing and tight sports bras, or pressure on the breast (e.g., from a seatbelt strap or sleeping position).
- Oversupply of milk.
- Stress and dehydration.
Symptoms of a clogged duct:
- A small, hard lump or area of fullness in one breast.
- Tenderness, soreness, or mild pain when nursing or touching the area.
- Slower milk flow from the affected breast.
- A temporary dip in milk output.
- Local warmth or slight redness (but even with no fever—that could indicate infection or onset of mastitis).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clear a Clogged Milk Duct
Follow these steps to relieve the blockage and restore your milk flow safely.
1. Nurse or Pump Frequently
- Continue breastfeeding on the affected side, at least every 2–3 hours.
- Start each feeding on the breast with the clog since your baby’s initial suction is strongest.
- Make sure your baby’s latch is deep and comfortable.
- Try empty the breast before switching.
- Don’t feel like you have to be stuck at home. It’s the perfect reason to explore places to go outside with your baby and enjoy sun and also nursing when you are out.
- Have a nursing staycation. Sometimes this also means slow down if you can. Find a way to chill at home or somewhere cozy and just focus on nursing or pumping, your baby bonding, and healing.
Why this helps: Regular milk removal is the most effective way to clear a blockage and prevent infection.
2. Use Warm Compresses Before Feeding
- Apply a warm compress, mild heating pad, or mildly warm, damp cloth to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
- You can also take a warm shower and let water run over your breast while gently massaging the area. Moving fingers together in a very gentle motion towards the nipple (more notes below).
Why this helps: Heat softens the milk and encourages flow through the duct.
3. Massage Gently Toward the Nipple
- Before and during nursing or pumping, use gentle pressure to massage from the outer edge of your breast toward the nipple.
- Use the pads of your fingers (not your knuckles) and avoid pressing too hard—too much pressure can irritate tissue and worsen inflammation.
- Some natural shea butter or coconut oil helps in massage.
4. Change Nursing Positions
Different positions help drain milk ducts. Try:
- Dangle feeding: Lean over your baby so gravity helps milk flow downward. A favorite because the milk has nowhere to go but down and out.
- Football hold: May target ducts on the sides of the breast.
- Laid-back nursing: Helps relieve pressure and encourages deeper latch.
Why this helps: Adjusting positions can target the clogged duct more effectively.
5. Apply Cold Compresses After Feeding
- After feeding or pumping, apply a cool compress or chilled gel pack for 10–15 minutes.
- You can also use chilled cabbage leaves (rinse first) for soothing relief.
Why this helps: Cold reduces inflammation and relieves soreness after the breast has been drained.
6. Stay Hydrated and Rest
- Drink plenty of water—dehydration can thicken milk and slow drainage.
- Rest as much as possible; stress, cortisol, and high-fatigue can affect letdown and healing.
- Drink lots of water and even beverages besides water that are healthy during pregnancy and nursing.
- Increase lactation snacks and galactagogues if you are feeling like you need a milk booster and that will encourage milk to flow better.
Tip: Keep a large BPA free glass borosilicate water bottle nearby every time you nurse or pump.
7. Wear Supportive, Nonrestrictive Clothing
- Avoid underwire or tight-fitting bras. A comfortable, no wire sports bra is sometimes best. Whatever it takes to let your boobs breathe.
- Choose soft, breathable cotton blend nursing tee shirts without elastics that don’t compress your breast tissue. This also encourages more breastfeeding and pumping because if the easy access and all day wearability.
Why this helps: Restrictive clothing can create pressure points that worsen or cause new clogs.
8. Use Lecithin Supplements (Optional)
- Some lactation consultants recommend sunflower or soy lecithin (1,200 mg up to 3–4 times daily) to help prevent recurrent clogs.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Why this helps: Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping keep milk fats from clumping together in ducts.
When to Call Your Doctor
A clogged duct should improve within 24 to 48 hours with consistent care. If it doesn’t—or if you develop signs of infection such as mastitis—contact your healthcare provider or lactation consultant right away. Mastitis is a serious condition.
Call your doctor if you notice:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C).
- Redness spreading across the breast.
- Chills, flu-like symptoms, or body aches.
- Increasing pain, swelling, or hardening of the area.
- Pus or unusual discharge from the nipple.
These may indicate mastitis, an infection that requires medical treatment.
Clogged milk ducts can be incredibly frustrating, but they’re also very treatable with patience and consistency. The key is to keep milk flowing, reduce pressure, and care for your postpartum body while it heals.
If you’re struggling with frequent clogs, reach out to a lactation consultant—they can assess your latch, feeding positions, and milk supply patterns to help prevent future blockages.
Remember, breastfeeding is a journey. Some days will be smooth, others challenging—but with the right care and support, you can keep going strong.
Pregnancy and Nursing 
Leave a comment