Treatment of Engorged Breasts and Blocked Milk Ducts

Clogged Milk Ducts

     Postpartum mothers often experience painful clogged milk ducts, leading to discomfort and reduced milk supply. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage this condition.

Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts & Breast Engorgement

• Hormonal changes: 2-3 days postpartum, causing excessive milk production that cannot be fully drained.
• Ineffective latch: or incomplete emptying of the breast by the baby.
• Infrequent pumping: or skipping feeding sessions.
• Wearing overly tight bras.
• Maternal stress: affecting milk let-down hormones.

Symptoms of Clogged Milk Ducts

• Hard lumps in the breast.
• Pain upon touching the lumps.
• Soreness in the breast.
• Redness and swelling without fever.
• Possible white spots on the nipple.
• Decreased milk supply.

Preparing for Physical Therapy Treatment:

• Stay hydrated.
• Continue pumping as usual before treatment, avoiding aggressive squeezing to prevent inflammation.
• Bring your breast pump for use after the session.
• Each session typically lasts 1-2 hours.

Contraindications for Physical Therapy:

• Fever or active infection.
• Abnormal color or smell of breast milk.

Physical Therapy Treatment Methods

1.  Ultrasound

     High-frequency sound waves penetrate 2-5 cm into tissue, creating deep heat to stimulate milk duct expansion, improve milk flow, and reduce pain.

2.  Therapeutic Breast Massage 

     Performed by a physical therapist using physiological techniques to stimulate milk let-down hormones.

3.  Warm Compresses

     Applied to stimulate blood circulation, relieve engorgement, and reduce pain.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Clogged Milk Ducts:

• Pain-free.
• Quick treatment time.
• Reduces breast pain and engorgement.
• Stimulates milk let-down.
• Promotes tissue repair.
• Enhances blood circulation.

Preventing Clogged Milk Ducts:

• Avoid prolonged milk retention: Pump or breastfeed regularly.
• Ensure complete emptying of the breast with each feeding or pumping session.
• Apply warm compresses before feeding to alleviate engorgement.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit fatty and fried foods (e.g., coconut milk curries, pastries).