Engorgement and Plugged Ducts

October 22, 2025 Women

Engorgement

Sometimes your breasts may feel full, hard, or painful. This can happen when your milk first comes in, or if milk is not being removed often enough. This is called engorgement. It can also happen later if your baby sleeps longer, skips a feeding, or is not latching well.

Here are some ways to feel better:

Tip #1

Breastfeed often

In the first month, try to feed your baby about every 2 hours (10–12 times each day). If you are too uncomfortable to breastfeed or your baby cannot latch on because your breasts are too full, try hand-expressing or using a breast pump to remove some of the milk. Your WIC team can help you with best options.

Tip #2

Warm Comfort Before

Taking a warm shower or placing a warm washcloth on your breasts before nursing may help get your milk flowing.

Tip #3

Cold Comfort After

A cool gel/ice pack can help reduce swelling after feeding. Refrigerated, raw, clean cabbage leaves may also help because of their coolness and how they fit nicely all around your breast.

Tip #4

Reverse-Pressure Softening

Press gently with your fingers around your nipple to move swelling away. (see photo) This may also help your baby latch on better.

Plugged Duct

A plugged duct happens when milk gets stuck in part of the breast. This may feel like a small, painful lump, usually about the size of a grape.

Here’s what you can do:

Tip #1

Warm Comfort Before Feeding

Use a warm pack (like a warm towel, hot water bottle, or microwave-safe heat pack) before feedings or pumping.

Tip #2

Massage

Gently push on the lump with your fingers toward the nipple. You can do this while your baby is feeding at the breast or while you are pumping. Vibrations from the back side of an electric toothbrush or a massager may also be helpful.

Tip #3

Try Different Positions

Feed your baby in different positions, like dangling the breast over your baby while nursing so gravity can help (see photo).

Tip #4

Wear a Good-Fitting Bra

Make sure your bra fits well and is not too tight. Tight spots can block milk flow. Your WIC counselor may be able to help you with options.

Tip #5

Don’t Ignore Your Pain

Plugged ducts can come and go. Keep a close check on areas of pain in your breasts. If the pain doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, contact your healthcare provider or WIC staff for help.

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Author: Dr. Maya Bunik, MD, MPH