12 Years of Treating Clogged Ducts: What I See Most
In twelve years as an IBCLC, I've helped hundreds of moms through clogged ducts and mastitis. The medical guidance has changed — a lot. When I started, heat and deep massage were the standard advice. Today, the 2022 ABM guidelines say the opposite.
What I see most is moms doing exactly what they were told years ago: massaging hard, applying heat, and pumping more. All three can make a clog worse — heat and deep massage can push bacteria deeper into the tissue.
What actually works is gentler and simpler than most moms expect: ice between feeds, an anti-inflammatory, rest, and light hand expression toward the nipple. In most cases that's enough to clear a clog within 24 to 48 hours.
If a lump has been there more than two days, or you develop a fever, that's the moment to reach out. Early mastitis is very treatable — waiting is the part that makes it harder.
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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
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© 2026 Jane Doe, IBCLC. All rights reserved. This site is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.