How to Get Rid of a Clogged Milk Duct Fast

Breastfeeding is a wild ride. One minute, you’re feeling like a goddess nourishing your little one, and the next, your boob feels like an overfilled water balloon, with a painful, zingy clogged duct. If you’re reading this while clutching your boobs in pain—girl, we see you.

Clogged milk ducts are no joke. They hurt, they make nursing miserable, and they always seem to show up at the worst times (like, oh, I don’t know… 2 AM when you just got the baby back to sleep?). But don’t worry—help is here! We’re going to talk about why they happen, how to get rid of plugged milk ducts fast, and how to stop them from coming back.

So take a deep breath, grab some water (because you can't hydrate enough while breastfeeding), and let’s fix this pesky plugged duct of yours!

What Even Is a Clogged Milk Duct?

Mother nursing her baby while experiencing a clogged milk duct.

A clogged milk duct is exactly what it sounds like—your milk is getting stuck instead of flowing freely. It’s like a traffic jam in your boob, and until you clear it, things are not moving smoothly.

How Do You Know If You Have a Plugged Duct?

Here’s how to tell if your breast is just in a mood or if you’ve got a clog:

A hard lump in your breast that feels like a little boulder under your skin
Your breast is sore, swollen, and tender (brushing against anything makes you wince)
A drop in milk flow on that side—your baby is sucking, but the milk isn’t coming like it should
The area may feel hot or look red
A small white or yellow milk bleb (a tiny milk blister) on the nipple

If your breast feels like it’s staging a personal attack, you’re probably dealing with a clogged duct. But don’t panic—we’ve got ways to fix this.

Want to help prevent clogged ducts before they even start? Prepping for breastfeeding before the baby arrives can make all the difference. From learning hand expression to choosing the right nursing bras, a little prep work can set you up for smooth sailing (and milk flow!).

What Causes a Clogged Milk Duct?

Nurturing through challenges: Mom breastfeeding while working through a clogged milk duct.

If you’ve got a clog, you’re probably wondering, why me?! Here are the usual culprits:

Skipped or delayed feedings – Your baby suddenly slept through the night (yay for sleep, boo for your boobs), or you missed a pumping session.
The baby isn’t latching well – If they’re not fully emptying the breast, leftover milk can turn into a blockage.
Tight bras or pressure on your breasts – That super cute sports bra? Yeah, it might be squishing your milk ducts.
Sleeping in the same position – If you always sleep on one side, the pressure can lead to clogs.
Dehydration and stress – Because of course they make things worse!

How to Get Rid of a Clogged Milk Duct (Fast & Without Losing Your Mind)

Breastfeeding mother experiencing discomfort, thinking about remedies for a clogged milk duct.

Alright, now for the part you really came here for—how to get rid of a clogged milk duct ASAP.

1. Nurse Like Your Life Depends on It

I know, I know—it hurts. But the best way to clear a clogged milk duct is to keep nursing or pumping. Your baby is the most effective milk remover, so even if it’s uncomfortable, try to keep them on the affected breast as much as possible.

Pro Tip: Start each feeding on the clogged side. Babies suck harder at the beginning, which can help pull that blockage out faster. Also, stroke the clogged duct with downward motions while breastfeeding. Get your partner to help if you need an extra set of hands too!

2. Apply Heat (A.K.A. Take the Longest Shower Ever)

Heat helps loosen up that stubborn clogged milk duct. Grab a warm washcloth or heatpad and press it against your breast before nursing. Better yet, take a long, steamy shower and let the hot water do the work.

Bonus Hack: Fill a bowl with warm water and literally dip your boob into it. It sounds weird, but it can help soften the clog!

3. Massage It Out

Gone are the days when we used to tell moms to suffer through to unplug their milk duct. Research shows us that intense deep massage causes more swelling and inflammation. Light massage and lymphatic massage is the perfect natural remedy to help unclog milk ducts.

Using gentle pressure, massage from the outside of your breast toward the nipple. And go under your armpits too! Enlist a back massage from your partner daily, as this helps drain inflammation and breastfeeding can wreak havoc on your back muscles!

If you want some help with massage, check out these clever massage tools that stimulate and add vibration to help unblock clogged milk ducts all while you close your eyes and rest.

4. Use This Powerful Natural Spray Daily

Breast Massage Health Spray natural remedy for clogged milk ducts

Lactation Consultants RAVE about our Breast Health Massage Spray to get rid of clogged milk ducts. How does it work? Imagine your milk ducts as a freeway. When it's congested and the traffic is slow, milk gets stuck and causes a plugged up duct. (and road rage always follows)

Our Breast Massage Health Spray is made with a unique blend of oils and herbs, specifically made to OPEN UP YOUR MILK DUCTS, letting your milk FLOW with ease and releasing the clogged duct. Essentially, this spray makes your single lane highway, a 5 lane super freeway and reduces the risk of more plugged ducts!

How to Use Breast Health Massage Spray:

Spray on the clogged duct, before breastfeeding session and lightly massage toward the nipple while feeding
To prevent future clogs, use 1-2x a day and massage all over the breast
Reduces the risk of mastitis - a breast infection that requires antibiotics

BUY Breast Health Massage Spray HERE!

4. Try the “Dangle Feed” (Yes, It’s as Weird as It Sounds)

Mom and baby comfortably breastfeeding in a side-lying position for better rest and bonding.

This is exactly what it sounds like—get on all fours over your baby and let gravity help pull the clog out while they nurse. You will feel ridiculous, but it works.

Other helpful positions:
Football hold – Good for clogs on the sides of your breast
Side-lying nursing – Lie down and let your baby nurse while you relax (win-win!)

5. Hydrate Like It’s a Part Time Job

drinking water to help plugged milk ducts

If you’re running on coffee and half-eaten toddler snacks (been there), it’s time to drink some water. Dehydration can slow your milk flow, making it easier for clogs to form. So chug, mama!

And while you’re at it... Did you know certain foods can boost your milk flow? f you’re a fall-flavor lover, check out Spice Up Your Milk Supply: 8 Pumpkin-Spice Recipes to Increase Lactation for some delicious ways to keep your supply strong and flowing smoothly!

6. Consider Lecithin Supplements (Your New Best Friend)

Sunflower lecithin helps thin out your milk, making it flow more easily. If you keep getting clogs, adding this to your routine might be a game-changer.

7. Epsom Salt Shot Glass Soak

epson salts to get rid of a plugged milk duct when breastfeeding

Dealing with a clogged milk duct can be painful, but a warm Epsom salt soak using a shot glass is a simple and effective remedy. This method can help loosen the skin, reduce inflammation, and encourage milk flow.

Epsom salts help reduce inflammation and soften the skin while the warm water encourages milk flow and may help open the clogged duct. When you do this soak, you will see milk flowing out and pushing out the clog!

Instructions for Epson Salt Shot Soaks:

Fill a shot glass with warm water.
Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salts and stir to dissolve.
Soak the nipple:

- Lean over the shot glass, ensuring the affected nipple is fully submerged.
- Let it soak for about 15 minutes before breastfeeding. Watch a show and relax!

When to Call a Doctor

A breastfeeding mother massaging her sore breast due to discomfort

Most clogged ducts clear up in 24-48 hours, but if you start experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor ASAP:

Fever over 101°F (38°C)
Red streaks spreading across your breast
Pain that’s getting worse, not better
Pus or unusual nipple discharge

These could be signs of mastitis, which can escalate quickly and may require antibiotics. If you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, don’t wait—get checked out.

Clogged Duct or Mastitis?

A clogged milk duct and mastitis share similar symptoms but are distinctly different conditions. A clogged duct occurs when milk flow is obstructed in a specific area of the breast, causing a firm, tender lump and localized discomfort. It often improves with frequent nursing, the above natural remedies, massage, and warm compresses.

Mastitis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition that can develop if a clogged duct is not cleared, often involving infection. It presents with more intense symptoms, including redness, swelling, warmth, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.

While a clogged duct typically resolves with at-home care, mastitis may require medical treatment, such as antibiotics, if an infection is present. Recognizing the difference is crucial, as early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a quicker recovery.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Breastfeeding journey as a shared experience between both parents.

Clogged ducts are the worst, but you can get through this! Nurses often use heat and massage daily with our Breast Relief Massage Spray, stay hydrated, and most importantly—be patient and kind to yourself!

Have you ever had a clogged duct? What worked best for you? Let’s chat in the comments—because we all know that motherhood is better when we go through it together.

Get rid of clogged ducts with our Breast Health Massage Spray! Lactation Consultants RAVE! Get yours HERE for your Breastfeeding Station now!