Breastfeeding And Plugged Ducts

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A plugged duct is a milk duct in your breast that is blocked. Milk ducts carry breast milk from the glands (small sacs) where it is made, down to your nipple. When a duct is blocked, the flow of milk to your nipple may decrease or stop. Your duct may plug if you are not breastfeeding regularly or emptying your breasts completely. Your duct may plug if your breast milk gets thick, or your breasts are engorged (very full with milk). Increased pressure on your breasts, such as from tight clothes or a heavy bag or purse also may cause plugged ducts.
  
  
• When you have plugged ducts, milk may build up and cause a tender (painful when touched) lump to form in your breast. The best treatment for a plugged duct is to empty your breast completely during breastfeeding. You also may need to use heat and massage to open a plugged duct. Treating your plugged duct may relieve the swelling and pain in your breast, making breastfeeding more comfortable for you.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Signs and symptoms of a plugged duct:

When your baby has trouble getting milk from your breast he may pull or twist your nipple. You may also have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• A tender breast lump that grows slowly and usually forms on one side of your breast.
  
  
• Pink or red skin over the tender area.
  
  
• Your breast may feel warmer than usual.
  
  
• A small, white bump at the nipple of the breast.
  
  
• Pain in your nipple or shooting pains in your breast.

How to treat a plugged duct:

• Breastfeed as often as your baby wants. Your baby can feed 8 to 12 times a day, or more. Frequent breastfeeding may remove the blockage in your milk duct. To help remove excess milk, give your baby the breast with the plugged duct first. Breastfeeding often may also help prevent plugged ducts from occurring.
  
  
• Position your baby to help empty your breast. Hold your baby so that his nose is pointing towards the swollen area of your breast. This helps drain breast milk from the plugged duct. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to hold and breastfeed your baby.
  
  
• Massage the breast with plugged ducts before and during breastfeeding. You may also do this while taking a hot shower or bath. Massage your breast in front of and behind the lump. Massage your breast from the area of the lump to the nipple.
  
  
• Express milk after breastfeeding. If your baby is not emptying your breasts fully when he feeds, expressing or pumping may help. Use a breast pump or your hand to drain extra milk and help prevent breast swelling. You can also do this if your breasts are too full for your baby to latch on. Ask your caregiver for more information about expressing, collecting, and storing breast milk.
  
  
• Apply warmth to your breasts before breastfeeding. Put a warm, wet cloth on your breasts or take a warm shower or bath. You can also lean over a sink or basin of warm water and place your breasts in it. This may help remove the blockage and increase your milk flow. Putting warmth on your breasts before breastfeeding may also help prevent plugged ducts.
  
  
• Apply a cold pack to your breasts after breastfeeding. This may help decrease the swelling and pain.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver before taking any medicines. This includes all prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common nonprescription medicines to help with pain and swelling. Follow your caregiver's advice on how to take them.

How to prevent a plugged duct:

• Allow enough time for each feeding. Do not rush your baby so he is able to empty your breast completely.
  
  
• Check your breasts for lumps, pain, or redness.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet and drink a lot of healthy liquids, such as water. Ask your caregiver for more information about breastfeeding and your diet.
  
  
• Get enough rest. If you notice any signs or symptoms of a plugged duct, rest as much as possible. Try not to sleep on your stomach because the pressure on your breasts may increase your risk for a plugged duct.
  
  
• Wash your hands and your breast pump often. This will help prevent the spread of germs. Encourage everyone in your house to wash their hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom. Also, wash your hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food. Wash your breast pump with soap and hot water after you use it.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever of 101°F (38.4°C) or higher, and chills.
  
  
• You have body aches.
  
  
• Your breast is red, very swollen or hard, painful, and feels warm or hot.
  
  
• You have a new tender lump in the same area that you have had a lump before.
  
  
• You have nipple soreness or cracked or bleeding nipples.
  
  
• You have pus draining from one or both of your nipples.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach).
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms are not getting better within 24 hours.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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