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.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Electric breast pump

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.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot unclog the duct in this manner, seek help from your doctor.