A clogged milk duct occurs when mothers are lactating. The milk sometimes will not flow through the breast to the nipple due to a blocked duct.
The breasts contain mammary ducts in network form. These ducts carry the milk. But it gets stuck in the ducts if anything is pressing against the breast. It will cause infection in the tissues near the blood vessels. There are many remedies for clogged milk ducts, such as taking hot showers, cabocreme, and regular breastfeeding, that could be easily followed without any difficulty, bringing instant relief in many cases.
But first, it is always important to recognize the common symptoms of clogged ducts.
Common Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of a clogged duct is the feeling of a hard lump in the breast, which will be painful to touch. The said area may look red or swollen. Other symptoms include
- Sense pain during feeding time, especially when milk is flowing.
- There will be swelling and pain around the lump.
- After feeding, the lump on the breast moves or gets smaller.
- After feeding or pumping out, the discomfort decreases.
- Few may even get blisters on the nipple during a clogged duct. It appears like a small white dot.
Whatever the symptoms that occur, apart from home remedies, applying cabocreme brings instant relief to the affected area within a short duration of time that varies from case to case.
Causes For Clogged Ducts
In most cases, knowing the cause of clogged ducts will help resolve this issue. A few common causes are:
Baby Fed Incorrectly
If the baby is not feeding on the breast properly, the required quantity of milk needed for the baby will not come out. There will be milk left behind in the ducts, which will cause them to clog.
Inflammation In Breast
If the baby never gets breastfed regularly, the milk in the breast will increase, leading to clogging. Due to this, the baby has to feed as often as possible. Otherwise, it will lead to inflammation in the breast. It could also happen when the baby is sleeping at night.
Formation Of Milk Blebs
Milk Bleb formed will seal the opening of the breasts. It will cause the milk to remain in the duct, getting stuck there and causing a clog in the ducts.
Body Producing Too Much Milk
If the body produces too much milk, this will enlarge the breasts and plug the ducts. This overproduction of milk could be solved by applying cabocreme, as it will balance the milk quantity.
Wearing Tight Clothes
Wearing tight cloth on the upper body puts too much pressure on the breasts, eventually clogging the ducts. Avoid wearing tight clothes.
Lack Of Rest
Lack of rest and not drinking enough water lead to the clogging of ducts.
Doing Vigorous Exercise
Never do vigorous exercise for the upper body, as this might cause clogging.
Stopping Breastfeeding
Sometimes babies are given substitute food instead of breastfeeding. It could lead to swelling that causes the duct to clog and develop breast inflammation.
Remedies For Clogged Milk Ducts
Among different remedies for clogged milk ducts, the use of cabocreme is also a good option as it helps in solving issues like excess milk production, suppressing feeding, and so on.
Breastfeeding is the best way to solve the issue of the clogged duct. When the breast gets drained completely, the problem of clogging will disappear. The remedies are:
Taking Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower will apply warmth to the clogged duct area. Gently massage the blocked area while taking a shower. Start massaging just above the clogged area and gently press toward the nipple. It will help loosen the clog, resulting in a smooth outflow.
Breastfeed At Regular Intervals
Try feeding the baby at three- to four-hour intervals, as this will help drain the breast entirely, thus avoiding breast inflammation issues. If the breast does not empty, take the help of a breast pump. At the same time, try rotating the baby’s feeding position, as this will help dislodge the clog.
Cabocreme also helps in solving breast inflammation, which occurs due to the variations in demand and supply of breast milk fed to the baby,
Make Use Of Coconut Oil
Apply coconut oil to the breast and massage slowly, focusing mainly on the duct-clogged area. It will help in softening that area and also will reduce the pain.
Make Use Of Potato
Keep sliced potato over the affected breast and wear a bra to hold the same in place. It will help in loosening the concerned area.
Conclusion
When appropriately treated, the clogged duct will reduce in size and eventually disappear. If left untreated, it will aggravate and become an infection.
Contact a doctor if the lump in the duct clogged area does not reduce within three days. The doctor will check thoroughly, perform relevant tests, and suggest a procedure to relieve the patient from the clogged milk duct.
