How to Unclog a Breast

Breastfeeding mothers must monitor their health carefully while nursing to ensure they do not develop infections. If milk does not move through the milk ducts, it will develop bacteria and the bacteria will lead to a breast infection called mastitis. If you develop pain or redness with warmth in a localized area of a breast while breastfeeding, take steps to unclog the duct to prevent bacteria from stagnating within the duct.

Instructions

1

Saturate the washcloth with warm water and apply the warm washcloth directly to the plugged area of your breast. Leave the washcloth on your breast for approximately 10 minutes and then breastfeed the baby, if possible. Alternatively, take a warm shower immediately before breastfeeding the baby.

2

Massage the plugged area of your breast before you breastfeed the baby. Use firm massaging to work the plug loose from the duct.

3

Breastfeed the baby as often as possible, always offering the breast with the clogged duct first. Position the baby onto the breast so the tip of the babys nose points toward the plugged duct.

4

Apply the heating pad to the breast with the clog when you are not breastfeeding the baby.

5

Use the breast pump to extract extra milk, especially if the baby does not seem to be emptying the breast completely at each feeding.

6

Drink as much plain water as possible to flush the clog out of your system.

7

Rest as much as possible while you are fighting the plugged duct. Do not engage in any activities that you can avoid and try to eat as nutritiously as possible.

8

Monitor your symptoms as you try to unclog your breast. If you develop a fever and flu-like symptoms, you may have mastitis. See a physician if you develop mastitis symptoms, because you will need antibiotics.