12/06/2025
That hard, painful spot isn’t really a “plugged duct” in the way you might think. It is actually due to inflammation happening within the breast tissue which then causes milk ducts to become narrowed. The narrowing doesn’t allow for adequate milk flow. The result? More pain and inflammation.
The key to resolving this issue before it turns into big time mastitis or something worse like an abscess is to ✨ decrease the inflammation✨ and allow milk to flow.
I was feeling much better within 24 hours by following much of what the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine suggests 👇
1. Feed or pump like normal. No need for over feeding on the affected side. That can make things worse.
2. Ice packs on the affected side after feeds for 15ish minutes.
3. Ibuprofen to decrease inflammation and Tylenol to decrease pain.
4. Utilize “breast gymnastics,” a term coined by Bolman which uses gentle movement of the breast to help move extra fluid out which decreases swelling.
The days of aggressive massage or vibration to “massage the plug out” are gone. This just adds more inflammation to the tissue. Be gentle with your breasts. If the pain persists or symptoms worsen after 24 hours of doing the above, reach out to your doctor, as you *may* need an antibiotic.
If you have reoccurring plugged ducts and want to figure out why, schedule a lactation visit. 🤗
