What to do when a milk duct feels blocked

Do not try to empty the breast repeatedly or crush the tender spot. A gentle approach helps swollen tissue settle while preserving a feeding pattern that works for you and your baby.

A firm, sore patch during lactation can develop when inflammation narrows milk ducts. It may follow a missed feed, a sudden pumping change, oversupply or pressure from clothing, although a clear trigger is not always found.

The affected area can feel warm and milk may move less freely. Whole-body symptoms such as fever and chills are more concerning because mastitis may be developing. A persistent mass can have another cause and needs examination.

Continue feeding in response to your baby's cues if you can do so comfortably. Use a supportive position and check that attachment is deep. If the breast is painfully full, hand express or pump a limited amount for relief at a comfortable suction level.

Place a cool pack wrapped in fabric over the tender area between feeds. Loosen anything that presses on that region, drink when thirsty and prioritise rest. For pain medicine, ask a pharmacist or clinician what is suitable with breastfeeding, your health history and current medicines.

Keep touch light. Avoid deep kneading, forceful squeezing, electric massagers, prolonged heat and attempts to puncture a nipple spot. If feeding mechanics or milk supply seem difficult, arrange a lactation assessment rather than adding unscheduled pumping.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if fever, chills, flu-like feelings, pus, spreading redness or increasing pain develops. These changes can require assessment for mastitis or an abscess and may call for prescription treatment.

Arrange a non-emergency visit if the area does not start settling over a few days, repeatedly returns in one location or remains as a lump after soreness resolves. Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening illness.

Tell the clinician about the timing, location, skin changes, fever and recent feeding or pumping changes. Ask whether you should alter milk removal, whether medication is needed, what signs suggest an abscess, and whether the continuing lump warrants imaging.