Plugged ducts are among the most common problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. Plugged ducts are usually caused by milk or skin cells plugging the ducts in the breast, and most women who have plugged ducts experience mild discomfort in one breast. This is commonly accompanied by a reddish area or lump on the breast.

While it might be tempting to stop breastfeeding, at least with the breast with plugged ducts, this is actually the worst thing you can do. Instead, offer the breast with the plugged duct first, as completely emptying the breast will help alleviate the blockage.

If you are not able to breastfeed regularly for one reason or another, it is best to express milk with a breast pump. It is especially important to breastfeed or express milk regularly when you have plugged ducts to avoid a more serious condition called mastitis. While expressing milk, some women may notice a grainy or stringy texture to some of their milk. This is nothing to worry about, and won’t harm your baby.

There are several things which can cause your milk ducts to become plugged, some of which you have control over, and some of which you don’t. Here are some of the easily preventable causes of plugged ducts:

• Too much pressure on the breast ducts due to sleeping position, baby bag straps, tight fitting clothing or bras or other contact. Relive pressure on the milk ducts by adjusting your sleeping position, carrying the diaper bag on the other shoulder, and wearing loose fitting clothing.
• Inadequate feedings may lead to plugged ducts. If you are not breastfeeding your baby regularly for whatever reason, consider increasing feedings. If you’re not able to do so, express breast milk.
• Shortened feedings, which don’t allow baby to empty the breast may cause engorgement, which can lead to plugged ducts. Make sure to allow baby as much time to feed as she wants.

Fortunately, if you do have plugged ducts, the treatment involves things you should be doing anyway. In addition to breastfeeding regularly, you need to make sure that you get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat a healthy, balanced diet, possibly supplemented with neo natal vitamins.

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