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Home Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

By on August 29, 2018

Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

Motherhood isn’t that easy. The new mother has to deal with lots of things. Breastfeeding, soothing the baby, making baby sleep, cleaning poops and changing diapers everything is a challenge. To add to the pain, some mothers suffer from a blocked milk duct.

Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

A blocked milk duct is a widespread problem experienced by nursing moms. Things become worse if breastfeeding mom is a first-time mom and have no idea on how to deal with this condition. Not many moms are aware that there are so many home remedies for blocked milk duct. In this article, we will discuss what a blocked milk duct is, its causes, symptoms and home remedies for blocked milk duct.

What is a Blocked Milk Duct?

Blocked milk ducts is common in nursing mothers. It is defined as a blockage of one or more than one duct that carries milk to the nipples for breastfeeding. It appears as a small hard lump obstructing the milk flow that leads to a bout of pain.

What is a blocked milk duct?

What is a blocked milk duct?

What Causes Blocked Milk Duct

Blocked milk duct is more common in females who are trying to wean their baby. It is commonly experienced by the mothers who resume to work after 3-6 months of delivery and are not able to feed the baby for 4-6 hours. The milk production in a breastfeeding mother is a continuous process. If due to any reason milk gets accumulated milk ducts get blocked.
Other reasons are wearing a tight nursing bra that put pressure on a milk duct, improper latch;thebaby is not feeding enough or sleeping on your stomach. Some minor causes are lack of sleep and stress.

Symptoms of the Blocked Milk Duct

The symptoms of a blocked milk duct include a localized lump, tenderness in one or both the breasts, redness of the skin over the lump. There is a hot sensation after nursing. Even some mothers experiences rise in body temperature and body aches.
Treating blocked milk ducts is essential. If left untreated it may evolve into mastitis. Below are home remedies for blocked milk duct that will provide moms instant relief.

Home Remedies for Blocked Milk Duct

1.Gentle Breast Massage

Its always better to be alert regarding your health. Blocked milk duct does not happen all of a sudden. It is always better to self-examine yourself everyday or every alternate day to figure out the development of blockage early. And when you figure it out take instant action.

Gentle breast massage

Gentle breast massage

While self-examining yourself look for the presence of a small lump or breast tenderness. For relief give your breast a gentle massage whenever you feed. Also press nipple and breast gently and try to squeeze out the milk from the blocked duct. Before doing so apply moisturizer to your hand to prevent scratches. Refrain yourself from applying pressure.

2.Cabbage Warm Compress

Cabbage warm compress is an effective home remedy for blocked milk duct. Warm compress is the best way to open the blockage. It raises the surrounding temperature. But for the best results use a cabbage leaf for it. Take a cabbage leaf that will cover your entire breast. Microwave it for a half minute and apply on the breast. Leave it for 2 minutes and then repeat.

Cabbage warm compress

Cabbage warm compress

If cabbage leaf is not available, you may also use a cotton towel for a hot compress. Dip the towel in hot water. Wring off the excess of water and place on your breast.
Showering in hot water may also help.

3.Vitamin C

Vitamin C heals a blocked milk duct and also prevents recurrence. All the citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C reduces inflammation, boosts body immunity and reduces stress. Increase your intake of foods rich in Vitamin C. Besides citrus fruits other rich sources of vitamin C are strawberries, green peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C

4.Feed Baby Correct Way

Feeding your baby with wrong technique or pattern may also lead to a blocked milk duct. Modify the way of feeding to prevent future blockage. Try changing angles, make sure baby’s head is tilted while feeding and make sure the baby latches properly. Feed the child regularly and do not give gaps between a feed. You may also use a breast pump to withdraw extra milk if the child is not drinking the entire milk.

Feed baby correct way

Feed baby correct way

5.Lecithin to Prevent Future Blockages

Lecithin cures blocked milk ducts. It increases the amount of poly-unsaturated fatty acid in breast milk making milk less sticky, and thus promotes milk flow. Legumes are rich sources of lecithin. You may also take lecithin supplements after consulting your physician.

A happy mother, a happy baby. If you are suffering from clogged milk ducts, your priority should be to avoid infection and further blockage. Try out the home remedies, refrain yourself from wearing a fittedbra, drink lots of water and eat nutritious food to treat blocked milk ducts and avoid recurrence.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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