Clogged Ducts and Mastitis: What Really Helps (and What to Stop Doing)
- Tiffany Guardado, M.S. CCC-SLP, IBCLC
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Clogged Ducts and Mastitis: What You Need to Know
If you are here, you might be dealing with a painful lump in your breast, wondering if it is a clogged duct or mastitis, or trying to prevent it from happening again. You are not alone, and you deserve clear, supportive information that truly helps.
This post breaks down what is really going on, what actually helps, and what to stop doing, based on updated lactation research and the newest recommendations.
What does a clogged duct feel like?
You may notice:
A tender or sore spot in the breast
A firm lump
Warmth or slight redness in that area
More discomfort when baby feeds or when pumping
Lower milk flow from that breast temporarily
If you are also feeling feverish, achy, or exhausted, that may indicate mastitis.
It is not actually a "plug of milk"
For a long time, clogged ducts were explained as thick or fatty milk getting stuck in a milk duct like a cheese curd stuck in a straw. Because of that idea, parents were told to:
Apply heat
Massage hard or use vibrating tools
Pump extra to try to "clear it"
Use Epsom salt soaks or Haakaa suction techniques
We now know this often made symptoms worse and led to repeat clogged ducts.
What is really happening?
In 2022, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine updated their mastitis protocol. Research now shows that most "clogs" are actually swelling and inflammation inside the milk ducts, not stuck milk.
That swelling narrows the ducts and slows milk flow, which creates the lump and discomfort. Think of it like a traffic jam. The road narrows, things back up, and it becomes sore and tender.
If we treat it like swelling instead of trying to force milk out, symptoms improve faster and are less likely to come back.
What helps now
Recommended
Ice or cold packs on the sore area (10 to 15 minutes at a time)
Ibuprofen if medically appropriate, to reduce inflammation
Gentle feeding or pumping as usual (do not try to empty aggressively)
Gentle sweeping motions toward the armpit (light lymphatic massage)
A supportive, non-wired bra
Rest and hydration
Avoid
Deep or aggressive breast massage
Heat on the lump (warm shower for comfort is fine, but avoid direct heat treatments)
Extra pumping or trying to completely empty the breast
Suction tricks designed to "pull out a clog"
The goal is to calm the inflammation rather than push through it.
Why does this happen?
Common triggers include:
Baby sleeping longer stretches and milk staying in the breast
Skipping or spacing out feeds or pumps
Pump flange that does not fit well
Tight clothing or pressure on the breast
Baby’s latch not draining certain areas well
Weaning or adjusting supply
Identifying and addressing the cause helps prevent this from repeating.
What about mastitis?
Most mastitis also begins as inflammation, not infection. In many cases, the same strategies used for duct inflammation support recovery:
Rest
Ice
Ibuprofen
Frequent but gentle milk removal
Antibiotics may be helpful when:
Symptoms do not improve within 24 hours
You see pus or concerning nipple discharge
You experience high fever or significant spreading redness
You can continue breastfeeding or pumping during mastitis. Your milk remains safe.
When to seek help
Reach out for support if:
You are having recurring clogged ducts
Symptoms do not improve within 24 hours
You experience fever or worsening symptoms
You are unsure what is causing the issue
Pumping or latch does not feel effective or comfortable
Sometimes a small adjustment to latch, pump setup, or feeding pattern can make a big difference.
If you are struggling, you do not need to figure this out alone. As a feeding therapist and IBCLC, I help parents identify the root cause and create a plan that supports comfort, healing, and long-term success.
References
Mayo Clinic Health System: Managing plugged ducts, mastitis when breastfeeding
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