When you have a clogged milk duct, it can be very painful and make breastfeeding or pumping very uncomfortable. It’s usually not a serious condition, but it definitely shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

A clogged milk duct is the result of accumulated fat and other debris that has accumulated in the breast tissue. If left untreated, a clogged milk duct can cause other issues such as mastitis or an infection. If you are experiencing any of these 6 most common clogged milk duct symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Let’s take a closer look at what you should do if you experience any of these symptoms:

Your Breast Hurts When You Breastfeed or Pump

One of the most common clogged milk duct symptoms is breast pain when breastfeeding or pumping. If your breast is painful when you squeeze it, chances are you have a clogged milk duct. It is important to differentiate between normal breast pain and pain that is caused by a clogged milk duct. 

Normal breast pain is experienced by every breastfeeding mother. It usually happens when milk flows out of the milk ducts or when the baby latches onto your breast. You should consult your doctor immediately if there is pain that lasts for more than a few hours. The most common causes of breast pain are clogged milk ducts, nipple trauma, poor latch, or poor milk flow. You can easily treat clogged milk ducts with proper hydration, rest, and massage.

You Feel A Burning Or Stinging Sensation While Breastfeeding Or Pumping

A burning or stinging sensation while breastfeeding or pumping means that you have a clogged milk duct. You can differentiate between a clogged milk duct and other breastfeeding issues like a clogged nipple by the sensation you experience. 

A clogged nipple usually doesn’t cause a burning or stinging sensation. If you feel a burning or stinging sensation while breastfeeding or pumping, you have clogged milk ducts. You can easily treat clogged milk ducts with proper hydration, rest, and massage. If a clogged milk duct is not treated, it can turn into a clogged milk duct infection or mastitis.

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You Have Hard Nipple Scabs Or Dark Scabs While Breastfeeding Or Pumping

If you have hard nipple scabs or dark scabs while breastfeeding or pumping, you have a clogged milk duct. You can treat a clogged milk duct by increasing your fluid intake, taking warm showers or baths, and applying heat to your breasts. You can also massage your breasts to help unclog your milk ducts. You should also avoid wearing a bra that is too tight, wearing fitted clothing, and staying in one position for long periods of time.

You Have A Fever While Experiencing Other Symptoms

If you have a fever while experiencing other clogged milk duct symptoms, you may have a clogged milk duct infection. You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a fever with any other breast problems. You can treat a clogged milk duct infection with antibiotics, hydration, and rest. Make sure you take your antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. You should also avoid wearing a bra that is too tight, wearing fitted clothing, and staying in one position for long periods of time.

The Area Around Your Nipple Is Dark Or Black In Colour

The area around your nipple is dark or black in color while breastfeeding or pumping, you have a clogged milk duct. If the area around your nipple is dark or black in color, it means that the clog has extended to the area around your nipple. You should see your doctor if the area around your nipple is dark or black in color. If you have a clogged milk duct, you should increase your fluid intake, take warm showers or baths, and apply heat to your breasts. You can also massage your breasts to help unclog your milk ducts.

There Is Melted Shaving Cream Like Fluid Coming From Your Nipple

If there is melted shaving cream-like fluid coming from your nipple while breastfeeding or pumping, you have a clogged milk duct. You should increase your fluid intake, take warm showers or baths, and apply heat to your breasts. You can also massage your breasts to help unclog your milk ducts. You can also try applying pressure to your breasts by pressing them between your legs. If you have tried all of these things and still have a clogged milk duct, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Clogged milk ducts are very common among breastfeeding mothers and can be overcome with the right treatment. Clogged milk ducts are the result of accumulated fat and debris that has accumulated in the breast tissue. They can be a sign of oversupply, a poor latch, or a bad breastfeeding routine.

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