Forcing a clogged duct is NOT the answer you're looking for!
If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged duct, blocked duct, plugged duct, whatever your words are... you know how frustrating and painful it can be. That hard, tender lump in your breast can make feeding uncomfortable, and the idea of just “forcing it out” like a tube of toothpaste is tempting.
But here’s the thing – that’s not how it works. And in fact, aggressive squeezing might make things worse. Let’s talk about why.
A Blocked Duct Isn’t a Clog – It’s a Swollen Pipe
The term “clogged duct” (aka blocked duct or plugged duct) makes it sound like there’s a physical plug blocking your milk from flowing, like a piece of food stuck in a straw. But that’s not actually the case.
More often than not, what you’re experiencing is inflammation. The duct isn’t blocked by a solid lump of milk, but rather, the milk is struggling to pass through because the surrounding tissue is swollen. This swelling narrows the space inside the duct, making it harder for milk to move freely.
It’s more like a swollen pipe than a blocked drain. And squeezing aggressively to push the “clog” out can actually make the swelling worse.
The Role of Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to stress or injury. If you press too hard or repeatedly massage the area, you can increase irritation, causing even more swelling. That swelling further restricts milk flow, creating a vicious cycle.
Some parents also notice redness, warmth, or increasing pain—these can all be signs that inflammation is getting out of control. The more swollen the area gets, the harder it becomes for milk to move, and the greater the risk of mastitis developing.
Did you know?
BLOCKED milk ducts are actually localised breast inflammation, where the ducts and surrounding tissue become inflamed, causing a tender lump, rather than a true blockage
Why Squeezing Can Make Things Worse
Trying to “force” milk out with firm pressure can damage the delicate milk-making structures in your breast. Your breast tissue is not designed to be wrung out like a wet sponge!
Overly aggressive pressure can cause:
- More swelling and pain
- Trauma to the milk ducts, making future issues more likely
- A higher risk of inflammation progressing to mastitis
BE KIND TO YOU!
When to Seek Help
We can help right NOW...that's the good news.
And if you’re feeling stuck (literally and figuratively), you don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s where Your Two Jugs comes in to teach you our strategies we've been using for 10 years to help parents like you!.
What to Do Instead
The Bottom Line
A clogged duct isn’t a simple blockage—it’s more like a swollen pipe restricting flow. Treating it with forceful pressure can backfire, worsening inflammation and making it harder for milk to move. Instead, focus on reducing swelling and keeping milk flowing gently.
Your breasts work hard to nourish your baby, so treat them with care. A little patience and the right techniques can go a long way in getting things back on track without unnecessary pain or damage!
Need more help navigating breastfeeding challenges? Check out our online courses at Your Two Jugs for expert guidance you can access anytime.
Author: Dr Katie Willy
Osteopath & Your Two Jugs Co-Founder
Elise Fuller & Katie Willy
Osteopaths & Your Two Jugs Co-Founders
Elise & Katie are Melbourne based osteopaths who have been actively treating breastfeeding women in clinic since 2015. During 2020 lockdown they launched Your Two Jugs to educate more mamas about how to treat their own mastitis, blocked ducts and engorgement. Their online video based courses Boobology and Mastitis Rescue is available now with all the techniques we show our mamas in clinic.
Your Two Jugs is passionate about support for mamas from the top. Boob Hero is a comprehensive health care practitioner course to educate manual therapists on their contribution to supporting breastfeeding women with hands on care. Empowerment all starts with education, and the more support available for women, the better.
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