Mastitis & Clogged Ducts: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Mastitis is a breast infection that affects up to 10% of breastfeeding mothers. It usually starts as a clogged duct and escalates if not treated promptly. The most important thing: keep nursing or pumping from the affected breast.
⚡ Quick Fixes — Try These First
- Nurse from the affected side first
- Warm compress before, cold compress after
- Gentle massage toward nipple during feeding
- Take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
Clogged Duct vs. Mastitis: How to Tell
They're on a spectrum — a clogged duct can become mastitis if not resolved:
- CLOGGED DUCT: Firm, tender lump in one area. No fever. Milk may be slow to flow. Still feels okay overall.
- MASTITIS: Red, hot, swollen area. Fever 101°F+. Flu-like symptoms (body aches, chills). Feeling terrible overall.
- Key difference: Mastitis comes with SYSTEMIC symptoms (fever, chills, body aches). A clogged duct is localized.
How to Clear a Clogged Duct
Act quickly — most clogs clear within 24-48 hours with these strategies:
- Continue nursing frequently — start feeds on the affected side
- Apply gentle massage TOWARD the nipple while nursing
- Use a warm compress before feeding (warm washcloth for 5 min)
- After feeding, use cold compress to reduce swelling
- Dangle feeding: nurse while leaning over baby (gravity helps)
- Vibration: use an electric toothbrush on the lump during feeding
- Take lecithin supplements (1200mg 3-4x daily) to prevent recurrence
Mastitis Treatment
If you develop mastitis symptoms:
- DON'T stop nursing — continued milk removal is essential for healing
- Call your OB/midwife — you likely need antibiotics (usually dicloxacillin or cephalexin)
- Take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation (safe while breastfeeding)
- Rest as much as possible — treat it like the flu
- Complete the full course of antibiotics even when you feel better
- Use cold compresses between feeds (the old advice of heat is now discouraged for mastitis)
Prevention Strategies
Reduce your risk of future clogs and mastitis:
- Avoid skipping feeds or going long stretches without emptying
- Don't wear tight bras or underwire
- Ensure baby is draining the breast fully
- Change nursing positions to drain all areas of the breast
- Daily lecithin supplements if prone to clogs
- Manage stress and get enough rest (easier said than done, we know)
🚨 When to Call Your Doctor or IBCLC
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Red, hot area on breast with flu-like symptoms
- Symptoms not improving after 24 hours of home treatment
- Pus or blood in milk
- Breast abscess (fluctuant, painful, localized swelling)
❓ FAQ
Absolutely not — stopping makes it WORSE. Continued nursing is the most important part of treatment. The infection does not pass to the baby through milk. Your antibiotics are also safe for breastfeeding.
Recurrent clogs often have a pattern: tight bras, sleeping on your stomach, inconsistent feeding schedule, or oversupply. Daily lecithin (1200mg 3-4x) reduces the stickiness of milk and helps prevent clogs. See an IBCLC for a personalized prevention plan.