•  
  •  

Blocked Milk Ducts

Milk ducts in the breast may become blocked during breast-feeding when the breasts are full and not emptied regularly or thoroughly. Blocked milk ducts cause a lump that is sometimes tender and can become infected (mastitis).

Blocked milk ducts may be treated by:

  • Breast-feeding more often and in different positions, which helps drain milk from all parts of the breast.
  • Breast-feeding from the affected breast first, to move milk through the breast faster.
  • Applying moist heat to the area just before breast-feeding and hand-expressing or pumping a small amount of milk.
  • Massaging the area, always working toward the nipple, to increase the flow of milk before and during breast-feeding.

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.