Blocked milk ducts occur when the duct is unable to be drained properly, resulting in a blockage which usually feels like a hard lump. Other symptoms may include redness, tenderness, swelling and pain. If untreated, some of the milk behind the blockage may be pushed into the nearby breast tissue, causing the tissue to become inflamed, resulting in mastitis.
Mastitis usually presents as a throbbing, red breast that is extremely tender to touch. Feeding will often be painful and flu-like symptoms, including a fever often follow as the infection progresses. Mastitis can make you feel very ill, very quickly and needs to be treated immediately, through draining the breast and, in some cases, with antibiotics. If you suspect you have mastitis please seek advice from your local GP.
Shop our extensive range of safe and effective mastitis and blocked milk ducts products and refer to our Breastfeeding Resources for further reading.
