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Breastfeeding Problems - Blocked/ Plugged Milk Ducts
If your breasts become very engorged you may experience a blocked or plugged milk duct which can be quite painful. Your affected breast will feel tender to touch and feeding will be uncomfortable. You may also feel a hard lump.
One reason that you develop blocked/ plugged ducts may be badly fitting underwear; it is important to avoid wearing underwired bras even occasionally as this can be enough to trigger a blocked milk duct. As mentioned before always wear a properly fitted nursing bra.
You can try to unblock the duct by gently rubbing the sore area towards the nipple - particularly effective if done in the bath or shower - or you could try expressing some milk either manually or with an electric or battery operated breast pump. If the lump does not go away speak to your doctor in case it needs to be examined.
To prevent recurrence try feeding more often and avoid skipping feeds as this can cause problems.
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