Blocked Milk Duct - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Breast milk is produced and stored in small milk-producing sacs (alveoli) in the breast before being transported to the nipple by small tubes (milk ducts). When an infant begins to breastfeed, the hormone oxytocin releases, causing the cells around the alveoli to contract, driving breast milk into the milk ducts toward the nipple. Milk is expelled through the nipple openings (nipple pores). However, milk transport is hampered when the milk ducts are clogged or blocked. Thus leading to various difficulties experienced by the mother.

What Is a Blocked Milk Duct?

A blocked or clogged milk duct is often defined as one through which milk cannot flow due to an obstruction of some type, such as a clog of milk, resulting in local engorgement of milk. Excess milk in the breast generates inflammatory and swollen breast tissue, which can encircle and shut a duct. Sometimes, the ducts can shrink due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the breast due to mammary dysbiosis (an increase in microbes around the nipples). Thus, engorgement in one part of the breast might push on and restrict other ducts nearby, resulting in a temporary obstruction and reduced milk production from that breast area. If milk is not flowing in one part of the breast, it can soon become painfully engorged and impact a broader scope, leading to mastitis (inflammation of the breasts) if not eased.

What Is the Reason for a Clogged Milk Duct?

A blocked milk duct, like engorgement and mastitis (inflammation of the breasts), is a kind of breast irritation that is generated in the same way. Anything that prevents milk from flowing freely from all areas of the breast may cause breast inflammation, such as:

• Poor positioning (how a baby is held to breastfeed).

• Tight bra.

• Shoulder bag.

• Nipple piercing.

• Latch (how the baby attaches to the breast).

• Scar tissue.

• Breastfeeding on a schedule rather than on demand.

• Previous breast surgery.

• Backpack strap pressing on breast tissue.

• Finger pushing into the breast.

• Blocked nipple pore.

What Are the Symptoms of a Blocked Milk Duct?

Local soreness and tenderness in the engorged region of the breast are common symptoms of a clogged milk duct. In addition, due to a buildup of milk at the surface of the breast, there may be a visible breast bulge. However, unless the breast infection has developed into mastitis, the mother will typically feel fine and will not have a fever. Some women remark that milk released from blocked regions may seem like threads of spaghetti, and mucus may also be present, while some may not.

How to Avoid a Blocked Milk Duct?

• Make sure the breast milk can flow freely from all parts of the breast.

• If breastfeeding is not easy or painful, or if there are any concerns regarding posture or attachment, consult a breastfeeding professional.

• Baby's posture and latch might assist or impede this.

• Allow the infant to finish the first breast before providing the second.

• Breastfeed on demand frequently and prevent extended periods without feeding or expressing.

• Check that nothing is cutting into the breast, such as tight clothes, a finger, poorly fitting bras (especially overnight bras), baby carriers, slings, or heavy bags.

How to Unclog a Clogged Milk Duct?

As engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis are all phases of breast inflammation, their therapeutic options are the same. Therefore, mothers widely accept the following techniques:

• Feed the infant frequently, at least every two hours, to keep the milk flowing.

• Do not over-pump; regularly pump more milk than the baby requires since this may aggravate the engorgement.

• Examine the nipple for a clogged nipple pore, a bleb, or a milk blister contributing to or causing the blocked milk duct.

• Cold treatment, when there is a lot of engorgement and heat, might cause more significant swelling. However, cold therapy between breastfeeds can relieve discomfort, swelling, and inflammation.

• Some drugs are safe to use while nursing that can be used to relieve discomfort or reduce inflammation.

• It is critical to take care of oneself, relax whenever possible, and remember to eat and drink.

• If symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours, see a health professional and a breastfeeding specialist and be on the lookout for indicators of mastitis.

What Should Be the Nursing Position in Cases of Blocked Milk Ducts?

Attempting unique nursing positions might assist in removing the obstruction. In order to help moms, unusual postures such as crouching on all fours to feed a baby, laying flat on the floor with the breasts dangling over the infant, or having the baby's chin point towards the obstruction are sometimes advised. Trying new positions may assist moms whose habitual feeding position is poor and dangerous and increase inflammation.

Is There Any Dietary Supplement to Prevent Blocked Milk Ducts?

• Lecithin: When given as a dietary supplement by the mother, Lecithin is an oily substance that is thought to help avoid clogged ducts. It is supposed to diminish breast milk constituency (thickness); thus, the milk thickens in the ducts. Lecithin is broken down in the stomach and intestines before it is absorbed. Therefore, if there are clogged nipple pores (also known as blebs or milk blisters), it is recommended to rub Lecithin into the nipple after feeding. A dose of 1200 mg or 1600 mg daily is also recommended.

• Vitamin C and Probiotic Supplements: Vitamin C and probiotic supplements also benefit mothers suffering from clogged ducts or mastitis (inflammation of breasts).

What Is Breast Massage Therapy?

This is a sort of massage for engorged breasts that uses various methods. Along with alternating massage and hand expression, lymphatic breast drainage is performed to assist the shift fluidly into the armpits.

• Comb With Wide Teeth: Some moms have reported success using a broad-toothed comb to gently stroke or massage the damaged breast. This, like the traditional technique of gua-sha treatment, is supposed to enhance circulation and relieve congestion.

• Circular Motions: This technique employs circular palm movements on the breast from the armpit to remove a clogged duct.

Conclusion

Blocked milk ducts are a typical complaint among breastfeeding mothers, and while each episode is often temporary, some women may experience several recurrences during their lactation. A clogged duct is similar to a sore lump in the breast. Some moms appear to be predisposed to them. Alternatively, if not enough, milk is eliminated during feedings. Contact a healthcare physician if the lump does not disappear within a few days. Also, if there are any symptoms of a fever or chills, the region around the lump becomes red. This might be an indication of infection and may necessitate the need for antibiotics.