How to Unclog a Milk Duct Using a Breast Pump

Nothing is more painful when nursing than a clogged milk duct. If the duct goes untreated, it can turn into mastitis or even calcify and have to be surgically removed. If you have a hot, wet washcloth and an electric breast pump, you will be able to unclog the milk duct in no time at all. Be sure that you have a good collection container, as you will probably fill it up after the milk duct becomes unclogged.

Instructions

1

Massage the area containing the clogged milk duct in a circular motion for two minutes.

2

Apply a hot, wet washcloth. Use as much pressure as you can stand. Keep the washcloth in place until it cools down.

3

Wet the washcloth with hot water and wring. Fold into a small square and apply to the area with the clogged milk duct.

4

Affix the breast pump to the breast with the clogged duct while holding the washcloth in place.

5

Turn on breast pump and lean forward.

6

Remove the washcloth but keep the breast pump on.

7

Massage the clogged area until you notice more milk filling the collection container. This indicates that the milk duct is unclogged.

8

Turn off and remove the pump once milk stops coming from the breast.