Massaging the knot, consuming garlic, having anti-inflammatory foods, dangle feeding, taking a warm shower, increasing probiotic intake, drinking pineapple juice, and applying lavender oil are the best natural remedies to clear clogged milk duct.

A clogged milk duct can occur when it is not emptied regularly or properly. Many nursing mothers encounter clogged milk duct and those who have, know how painful and frustrating it is. Not only this gets difficult for the mother but also for the baby who expects a full meal. In this article, we will be discussing about the causes and natural remedies to treat clogged milk duct.

In This Article:

• Why Does a Clogged Milk Duct Happen?
• 11 Simple Home Remedies for Clogged Milk Duct
• When to Call the Doctor?

Why Does a Clogged Milk Duct Happen?

Feeding Position

If you constantly feed in the same position, it can lead to a clogged milk duct. An incorrect latch may also lead to this.

Plugged Nipple Pore

When sloughed off skin cells combine with the natural fat contained in the breast milk. A blocked pore or physical blockage of milk duct may be caused. In order to maintain your breast health, you can just soak in Epsom salt on a regular basis or go for gentle dry brushing.

Plain Old Exhaustion

Lack of sleep can also lead to this. Therefore, it is very important for you to take proper rest in order to avoid such problems.

Improper Breast Care or Tight Bra

You should avoid sleeping on your stomach as too much pressure on the breasts can lead to blockage. You must also ensure that you wear the healthiest and best fitting bra.

Feeding Problems

In case your child is sick and not nursing as much or if you do not feed equally out of both sides, a clogged milk duct can occur.

11 Simple Home Remedies for Clogged Milk Duct

Massage the Knot

You would be knowing exactly where your clogged duct is, it is from that spot that the pain resonates which may also be red from inflammation. So, you can just massage that area for 5 to 10 minutes every hour on a regular basis.

Consume Garlic

One of the most useful natural remedies to relieve clogged milk ducts is consuming garlic. You can just try adding garlic in your meals or just crush a full clove of garlic and simply consume it. to avoid the strong flavour, you can just add some honey, a pinch of salt and water.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Your clogged milk duct is inflamed which is why it may be painful. You can have anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, green vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, nuts and tomatoes in order to reduce the inflammation.

Take Sunflower Lecithin

You can try lecithin for smoother flow of milk. Lecithin supplements lead to an increase of polyunsaturated fats in the breast milk, thus thinning it out. Your clogged milk duct may be caused due to the ‘stickiness’ if your breast milk.

Dangle Feed

One of the ways you can clear this issue is by breastfeeding through a clogged milk duct. you can lay your baby down on a soft surface and just lean over her on all fours. Lower your breast to your baby and let your baby feed through it.

Take a Warm Shower or Bath

You can soak your breast in warm water to help loosen the blockage in your milk duct. In case, you are planning to go for a shower, you must ensure that the water hits the affected area for at least 10 minutes. you may also go for a heating pad but the moisture and heat of a warm washcloth on the affected area would be considered the best.

Increase Your Probiotic Intake

It is very essential for you to increase your intake of probiotics when your body is fighting against an infection or the genesis of an infection. An adequate amount of good gut bacteria helps your body recover faster from the illness.

Drink Pineapple Juice

Pineapple consists of bromeliad that can help reduce inflammation.  when you drink pineapple juice on a regular basis, it can help reduce inflammation that can lead to a clogged duct. Not only this but it also helps in the prevention of other clogged milk ducts.

Soak in an Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is one of the most effective remedies in treating clogged ducts. Remember, when you soak, just try to gently hand express a little milk to make things going.

Put Potatoes in Your Bra

I know it sounds weird and there’s not even a scientific evidence for this but a number of people have found this remedy to be effective. You can slice organic potatoes and place them in the bra, making sure that they are contacting the affected area. You can leave the sliced potatoes thereon for about an hour.

Apply Lavender Oil and Geranium Essential Oils

Lavender and geranium essential oils are very safe to be used when it comes to reducing the swelling that may be caused by the blockage. You can dilute a drop of each in 4 tablespoons of carrier oil and massage the area. However, you must avoid the nipple area. Also, the best time you can do this is right after a feeding. That way, it has more time to absorb.

When to Call the Doctor?

In case, you notice any warning signs of an infection, consult your doctor:

• Hot or swollen breast tissue
• Fever or chills
• Hard lump in the breast or any area of the breast that appears lumpy
• Flu-like symptoms
• Pain radiating from one place in the breast

Conclusion

Most of the natural remedies that have been listed above are effective in treating clogged milk ducts. However, in case you feel that none of the remedies seem to work for you, it is important that you consult your doctor immediately.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3437340/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6902300_Recurrent_Plugged_Ducts