Blocked milk ducts are a common problem for lactating mothers. About two thirds of breastfeeding mothers experience a blocked milk duct at some point [1] .
When a baby is born, the mother's body produces breastmilk (a process known as lactation). Breastmilk provides the baby with all of its nutritional requirements for the first few months of life.
Breastmilk is produced in the mammary glands within the breast, and flows through milk ducts to the nipple. These ducts can become blocked, causing the breast to become tender and sore.
A blocked milk duct is usually a temporary, treatable issue that will resolve within a couple of days. A mother experiencing blocked milk ducts, or other breastfeeding problems, may benefit from advice from experienced healthcare professionals such as doctors, midwives, nurses and lactation consultants (see 'Support services' below).
The secretion of milk from mammary glands in the breast.
Campbell S.H., (2006), Recurrent plugged ducts, Journal of Human Lactation, 22(3):340-343.
Milk ducts can get blocked when milk is not drained well from the breast and stays and thickens inside the ducts. Some things that can add to the risk of a duct getting blocked are:
Signs of a blocked milk duct include:
Blocked ducts can often unblock by themselves after a day or two. Methods that can encourage unblocking include:
Blocked milk ducts can lead to engorgement. A blocked milk duct that does not unblock after two days may be a sign that mastitis might be developing. Mothers who experience the pain and discomfort of untreated blocked milk ducts may also stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended to.
Good feeding technique, frequent feeds and breast draining, and avoiding pressure points on the breast will help prevent blockage of milk ducts.
Australian Breastfeeding Association. Website: www.breastfeeding.asn.au/ Breastfeeding Helpline. Tel: 1800 686 268.