Breastfeeding is an amazing bonding experience for mother and baby. You will face several challenges on your journey, including leaking, engorged breasts, midnight feeds and navigating breast pumps.

Some mothers may deal with additional concerns when breastfeeding. For instance, detecting a painful lump can cause panic and fear. However, it is important not to jump to the worst-case scenario. In most cases, these lumps are indicative of a blocked milk duct.

You can identify most of the symptoms of a clogged milk duct at home, but it is important to consult with a doctor to eliminate any doubt. Milk ducts can become clogged or suffer from poor drainage. This sometimes occurs when a breast is not completely emptied after feeding. Other causes include stress, skipped feedings, a history of mastitis and more.

Clogged Breast Symptoms

If you detect a single lump in your breast when nursing a baby, it could indicate a blockage. There is often engorgement around the lump that is painful and swollen. If your discomfort is somewhat alleviated after feeding or pumping, the lump may result from poor drainage.

Some mothers develop a milk plug that often looks like a blister, situated at the opening of the nipple. A lump caused by blockage can also move over time. Thick, fatty or decreased milk production is also a common sign of a blockage or poor drainage.

Unclogging Breast Ducts with Therapeutic Ultrasound

If you have tried home remedies to unblock a breast duct with no success, therapeutic ultrasound is an effective solution. Gentle heat waves gently massage the breast tissue, specifically targeting the area that is blocked.

This treatment produces the best results when nursing mothers attend three consecutive treatments within a timeframe of three to five days. If you live in or around Atlanta, Georgia Spinal Health & Wellness can offer relief from a clogged breast duct with therapeutic ultrasound.

Contact our offices today to book a consultation and find relief from the pain and discomfort of blocked breast ducts. We look forward to helping you once again find joy in the bond of breastfeeding your baby.