User:Mr. Ibrahem/Blocked milk duct

A blocked milk duct is when one or more ducts carrying milk to the nipple is not draining. Symptoms include a small tender lump, with potentially redness of the overlying skin. Generally only one breast is affected and fever is not present. A milk bleb may also occur at the nipple. Complications may include mastitis.

It may occur as a result of breast engorgement, insufficiently frequency of breastfeeding, poor attachment by the baby, or pressure on the breast such as from a seatbelt or poorly fitted bra. The underlying mechanism may involve thick milk blocking a milk duct, resulting in a build up of pressure. It may be associated with a milk bleb at the nipple.

Treatment is generally by frequent feeding and application of alternating warmth and cold. While massage of the lump towards the nipple when feeding has been recommended,  this practice may cause injury and has been discouraged by others. Once the thick milk is removed, and the duct drains, symptoms generally rapidly resolve. A blocked milk duct is common during breastfeeding.