Getting rid of plugged or clogged ducts: Essential guide for quick healing

Clogs/plugs often present as hard, tender, and/or red lumps. While they typically occur in the outer quadrants of the breast, they can occur anywhere and may look very “veiny” around the clog. Plugged ducts are an area of inflammation in the breast where milk is plugged or clogged and not flowing how it should. Plugged ducts are very painful, and should be treated as soon as you notice you have one to prevent it from worsening,  becoming infected and turning into mastitis. Some of us are more susceptible to them than others. The most common culprit in the early days and weeks after birth are from shallow latch or a baby with a tongue and/or lip tie. People with an oversupply, those who exclusively or frequently pump, those who pump using the wrong size flange, and a history of breast implants or reductions are especially at risk. Any time you go longer between feeding or pumping than your normal routine also increases your risk of your milk sitting too long and clogging. They can also occur from wearing tight or constricting clothing, such as an underwire bra; sleeping on your breast/chest, or even from too much pressure on your breast such as from babywearing or a cross body bag! Anything that inhibits the flow of milk can be at risk of causing a clog. Your baby may also cause a clog from using a consistent, shallow latch, or if your baby has a tongue and/or lip tie.   This video walks through the best strategies for getting rid of a plug #mastitis #mastitistreatment #breastfeedingfacts