04/04/2026
A clogged duct (now called ductal narrowing) happens when an area around the milk duct gets inflamed and the duct gets compressed by local swelling. This causes a painful lump to emerge and you may experience breast redness accompanied by reduced milk output.
clogged ducts may be caused by:
-Infrequent milk removal
-Oral dysfunction
-Incorrect fl**ge size
-Incorrect fl**ge size
-Waiting too long to pump
-Skipping feeds
-Compressive clothing
-Oversupply of breastmilk
-Frequent antibiotic use
Mastitis is an inflammatory process inside of your breast caused by an unresolved clogged duct. In the beginning, mastitis is not considered a bacterial infection. However, if not treated, it can easily turn into one and may require antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms of mastitis include red and swollen area in the breast, fever, fatigue and decrease in milk supply on the affected side.
Mastitis does not ALWAYS require antibiotics. Often antibiotics are given before BAIT Protocol (comment BAIT and we will send you the protocol we recommend!) is used. Antibiotics address bacterial infection - but not inflammation so mothers may experience a slight relief in mastitis symptoms from antibiotics but often don’t fully heal if the root cause is not addressed.
If you develop a fever, you typically have about 24-48 hours before antibiotics may be needed. Call your doctor if your symptoms are not improving within 24-48h of BAIT treatment. Most antibiotics are safe to take while breastfeeding.
