Blocked milk duct while breastfeeding

The term blocked duct commonly describes narrowed milk flow with surrounding inflammation rather than a solid plug that must be forced out. A sore patch may follow a missed feed, an abrupt schedule change, pressure from clothing, or feeding that removes less milk than usual. Milk remains safe for the baby, and continuing to breastfeed is generally possible.

Feed according to your baby's cues and start on either breast based on comfort; there is no need to repeatedly empty the sore side. Check that positioning feels sustainable and that the baby has a deep, comfortable latch. Apply a wrapped cool pack after feeds if soothing, rest when you can, and avoid tight bras. Gentle touch is enough—vigorous kneading, vibration, excessive pumping, and extra heat can aggravate swollen tissue. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about pain medicine that is suitable during breastfeeding and compatible with your medical history.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly for fever, chills, spreading redness, rapidly worsening pain, pus, or a flu-like illness. Also arrange an assessment if feeding is difficult, the baby is not feeding effectively, symptoms are not beginning to settle, or the same area keeps becoming inflamed. Urgent evaluation is needed if you feel severely unwell or faint.

Describe where the tenderness began, whether redness is expanding, and any fever or whole-body symptoms. Ask whether latch or pumping technique may be contributing, whether you need treatment for mastitis, and how to protect milk supply without overstimulating the affected breast.