The surprising way mums are clearing blocked milk ducts

Mastitis is a common breastfeeding issue that many mums worry about. Especially if they know of someone who had it, or they have already experienced it themselves. 

In a recent Facebook Live with Midwife Tylah, one mum-to-be shared that she was worried about developing mastitis after her sister-in-law was hospitalised for it. 

“What are some of the early signs and what can you actually do about it before it gets to that stage?” she asks. 

Watch the full interview below:

What is mastitis?

So what is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can lead to infection.

“It’s caused when those ducts get blocked, and they get infected, and it can even lead to abscesses in your breast that then have to be surgically drained,” says Tylah

Signs of mastitis

It’s really important for all mums to be aware of the warning signs of mastitis – the sooner it gets treated the better.

“One of the earliest signs of mastitis are flu-like symptoms,” says Tylah.

“So you will feel like you’re coming down with something, but probably, the most visually obvious, is that your breasts will go red and they’ll become inflamed.”

You might also notice some blockages in your milk ducts, so get into the habit of checking your breasts every day. Mums should also make sure they’re fully draining their breasts when feeding.

How to unblock milk ducts?

If you do happen to notice a blocked milk duct, Tylah has some tips.

“Up the heat in the shower, use heat packs, and then try to massage it out,” says Tylah.

“But some people also use things like electric toothbrushes to try and move the milk down – that vibration could help sort of break it up and get the milk out.

“The biggest thing would be, if you notice mastitis coming on, to try and see a GP straight away and get on top of it with antibiotics.”