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blocked milk ducts

milk ducts in the breast may become blocked during breastfeeding when the breasts are full and not emptied regularly or thoroughly. blocked milk ducts cause a lump that is sometimes tender and can become infected (mastitis).

blocked milk ducts may be treated by:

  • breastfeeding more often and in different positions, which helps drain milk from all parts of the breast.
  • breastfeeding from the affected breast first, to move milk through the breast faster.
  • applying moist heat to the area just before breastfeeding and hand-expressing or pumping a small amount of milk.
  • massaging the area, always working toward the nipple, to increase the flow of milk before and during breastfeeding.

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