Clogged ducts
The Lowdown: When your breasts are overly full or you’ve gone longer than usual between feeds, milk can back up into your ducts, clogging them up. You’ll know you’ve got a plugged duct if there’s a hard lump on your breast, if your breast is sore to the touch, and/or there’s some redness. If you also have a fever, that’s a sign of mastitis.
Causes: Compressing your breasts while sleeping; using wrong-sized pumping parts or an inefficient pump or having something hit your breast in the same spot, like the underwire of your bra. Some women are also more prone to plugged ducts without any underlying cause.
Tackling the Problem
Heat and massage. Apply a warm compress and massage the clogged area. Think of it as a spa day for your boob.
Nurse often. Keep the milk flowing by nursing frequently.
Red flags. If the clog persists or you develop a fever, it's time to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
