Plugged Ducts
Inflammation of a milk duct is referred to as a "plugged" duct. It appears as a hard, painful lump. The lump can be in any part of the breast or even up under the armpit. Putting pressure on it will cause pain. Bending over or turning quickly may also cause discomfort.
Plugged ducts happen for many reasons, the most common being a change in nursing frequency. If your baby suddenly sleeps through an entire night, you could wake up one morning with a painful lump in part of your breast . You can help prevent plugged ducts by avoiding sudden changes in nursing frequency. It is a blessing to have baby sleeping though the night, but nursing late that night and early the next morning will help your supply to adjust. Before you know it, you will be producing less while your baby sleeps.
A dried milk secretion on the nipple can also cause a plugged duct. To prevent this from happening, keep your nipples clean. Rinsing your breasts in a sink will help. It doesn't have to be done after every nursing, but it should be done often enough to prevent dried secretions. Keeping nipples clean also helps prevent bacterial and yeast infections.
Restrictive clothing can cause plugged ducts. Tight bras or shirts can restrict blood flow and can also put too much pressure on the breasts. Many women also have problems with under-wire bras. In the same way tight clothing restricts breasts, sleeping on your stomach puts too much pressure on your milk ducts as well.
There are many ways to treat a plugged duct. The first and most effective treatment is to nurse your baby frequently on the affected breast. Don't neglect the other breast, but try to let baby nurse longer on the breast with the lump. Your baby's sucking may be all that is needed to resolve the problem.
Rest is also very important. Lie in bed with your baby and relax while nursing. Pain and stress can inhibit let-down, which can cause even more problems, so it is important to stay off your feet. Loosen clothing, and keep a warm compress handy. Applying heat to the plugged duct will also help tremendously.
