Mastitis & blocked ducts
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, often following a blocked milk duct, causing pain, swelling, redness and sometimes fever. Keep feeding as normal, use cold packs and rest, and seek medical advice if you have a fever or no improvement within 12 to 24 hours.
Mastitis and clogged ducts are common issues that can disrupt your breastfeeding journey, but with the right knowledge and steps you can manage them effectively. Here's how to recognise the symptoms, what to do if you suspect a clogged duct or mastitis, and when to seek help from a lactation consultant or primary care professional.
The essentials
- Clogged duct
- A clogged (or blocked) milk duct happens when milk flow is obstructed, causing milk to build up in the breast.
- Mastitis
- Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, sometimes caused by an infection, or by a narrowing of milk ducts often caused by oversupply or poor drainage.
- Signs of a clogged duct
- A small, hard lump in your breast; swelling or redness in a specific area; discomfort or pain, especially during breastfeeding; and a slower flow of milk from the affected breast.
- Signs of mastitis
- Intense breast pain and swelling, red or hot patches on the breast, a fever (usually above 38°C) with chills, and fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell.
- Managing a clogged duct
- Continue breastfeeding or pumping, aiming to feed frequently — every 2–3 hours from both breasts. Try different breastfeeding positions to help drain all parts of the breast (the 'dangle feed', positioning baby's nose or chin into the affected area, can be particularly effective), along with light hand massage, stroking or manual lymphatic drainage, cool packs, rest, hydration and sunflower lecithin.
- Managing mastitis
- Everything for a clogged duct applies, plus: keep breastfeeding or pumping as normal, not extra, despite the pain, and use cold therapy before and after feeds. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief if needed — not aspirin, which shouldn't be taken while breastfeeding.
- When to seek medical advice
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have a fever or severe symptoms, or if you've had no relief from symptoms within 12–24 hours of starting home remedies. Antibiotics may be needed if it has turned into bacterial mastitis, prescribed by someone licensed to do so.
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This guide is informed by current evidence and clinical practice. Individual circumstances vary — it isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, doctor or lactation consultant.