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If you are breastfeeding your baby, it is likely that you may experience clogged ducts at some point which could then lead to mastitis. Personally, I have experienced this multiple times. While clogged ducts really do hurt and mastitis is miserable, there are multiple measures you can take to find relief. Don’t give up and don’t lose heart, this uncomfortable situation will pass and you’ll be back to breastfeeding with ease in no time!

After the birth of my first baby, I had a really hard time breastfeeding. I found myself with a poor latch, bleeding nipples, engorgement, clogged ducts, mastitis – the whole gambit. My son’s doctor even requested that I supplement with formula, as that seems to be the go to for most pediatricians rather than offering lactation support. Instead, I chose to seek support from experienced mothers and continue breastfeeding.

Though my introduction to lactation was incredibly difficult, I’m so happy that I persevered. My son became a chubby, beautiful boy fed entirely by breast milk.

If you are reading this before clogged ducts or mastitis have occurred, the first thing to know about prevention is how to relieve engorgement. A duct or the whole breast may become engorged before it is actually clogged, and that clog (causing failure to release/withdraw milk) is what ultimately leads to an infection that results in fever (mastitis).

For more valuable information regarding engorgement, I recommend reading the following article by La Leche League GB: Engorged Breasts – Avoiding and Treating

Now, if you are currently experiencing clogged ducts and/or mastitis, here are some tips and tricks I have used to draw out clogs and relieve pressure:

1. Placing your baby’s chin by the clog will help them to withdraw the milk from that area. It can be uncomfortable, but this method is highly effective. If you have a deep latch and are able to adjust your body’s positioning to allow baby’s chin to point at the clog while feeding, you’ll soon find relief. Whenever I do this I say “thank you baby for helping mommy,” which really helps me to appreciate their part in removing the clog and getting our health back on track.
2. Hot water is your friend. My other personal go to is passing the baby to someone else for a while, getting in the shower, and hand expressing under warm running water. The warm water helps to relax breast tissue, which then allows you to massage the affected area and work out the clog. It’s also a nice, calming place to express without having to worry about getting milk everywhere! The more milk you remove, the better. Clearing out those ducts and making the breast softer (less full) will allow baby to latch on more easily when feeding.
3. Supplements and tinctures can be effective as well. Personally, I use Happy Ducts and would recommend trying it if it seems right for you.
4. Pumping and lactation massagers may also be helpful. Using a massager can help break up the clog so it can be more easily removed while pumping or breastfeeding. You may way to try something like this, for example: Momcozy Warming Lactation Massager
5. The Haakaa breast pump remedy can be an effective way to remove clogs from ducts. Using a Haakaa pump, warm water, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salts, you can watch as milk from plugged ducts is drawn into the water. For more information, visit: How the Haakaa Breast Pump can help clear plugged milk ducts on haakaausa.com

When it comes to mastitis, following these tips and letting the fever pass is usually sufficient. As long as you are able to clear away clogs, the fever will get rid of any infection and you’ll feel healthy again before you know it.

If you are concerned your symptoms may be too severe, however, you can visit your doctor or ask a lactation consultant for recommendations.