Be sure to use only gentle pressure when massaging breast tissue to prevent further inflammation or trauma.

Blocked Milk Ducts Instructions

Before breastfeeding or pumping: 

Step 1: Heat Lactamo by submerging it in a cup of hot water for 3 minutes (Note: this can be as hot as desired depending on need, ranging from luke warm to boiling) OR placing it in a conventional steam steriliser for one cycle.

Roll it between your palms for 10 seconds to make sure it’s not too hot. 

Note: Do not put Lactamo in a microwave.  

Step 2: Roll Lactamo down your breastbone (the middle of your chest) 4 - 6 times.  

Gently stimulating the chest area may encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream.  

Step 3: Roll Lactamo under your armpit in a circular motion 4 - 6 times.   

You have multiple lymph nodes in your armpits. Massaging this area may stimulate lymph flow and help drain swelling in your breast tissue.  

Step 4: Roll Lactamo over your breast in an upward motion towards your armpit. 

This may help drain the extra fluid in your breast and reduce swelling and inflammation, especially if a milk duct has become inflamed or you have early-stage mastitis.  

To address early-stage mastitis, spend more time on this step.  

Before and/or during breastfeeding or pumping: 

Step 5: Roll your heated Lactamo over your breast towards your nipple for a few minutes, taking care to remain focused on the quality of your baby’s feeding and not disrupt their attachment to your nipple.   

Keep the pressure very gentle. 

Gentle breast massage during feeding or pumping may aid milk flow.  

After or between breastfeeding or pumping:   

Step 6: You might like to gently place a cooled Lactamo on your breast to soothe and help reduce the inflammation and associated pain/discomfort.  

Avoid compression or massage at this stage. 

 

Note: whilst lumps in breast tissue may commonly present as a part of breastfeeding, if in doubt please consult your healthcare professional. 

Blocked Milk Ducts

If you have a sore lump in your breast, you might have a blocked milk duct. But you’re not alone - this common problem affects around two-thirds of mamas during their breastfeeding journey. 

What are blocked milk ducts? 

Your milk flows through ducts in your breast before it gets to your nipple. If these ducts become blocked, the milk flow becomes obstructed (milk stasis). This can cause a sore, tender lump – in other words, a blocked milk duct.  

If you have a blocked milk duct, part of your breast might look swollen, lumpy and/or red and hurt when you touch it. You might notice that it’s especially painful during your let-down – ouch! Some mamas with a blocked duct might have an area of pain or tenderness without a noticeable lump. Others may get a sore white blob or spot on their nipple. Occasionally, mamas with a blocked milk duct may also experience a low-grade fever (less than 38.5°C).  

If you have a blocked milk duct, feed your baby or pump from the affected breast as often as you can.  

Before you start feeding, make sure you’re comfortable. Loosen or take off your bra and do your best to relax. The Australian Government parenting website raisingchildren.net.au recommends applying warmth to the affected area before a feed or pump. Massaging the lump in a warm shower before a feed can also help. A warmed Lactamo is perfect for the job. Lactation consultant Sarah Thijs says “gentle breast massage with a heated Lactamo is great for encouraging blood flow and aiding the let-down reflex when a mama is dealing with blocked ducts.” 

Using Lactamo for blocked milk ducts; easy to follow animation

How to use Lactamo for blocked milk ducts in six easy steps

Step 1

Heat Lactamo by submerging it in a cup of hot water for 3 minutes (Note: this can be as hot as desired depending on need, ranging from luke warm to boiling).

Roll it between your palms for 10 seconds to make sure it’s not too hot.  

Note: Do not put Lactamo in a microwave.  

FAQ

A blocked milk duct often presents as a tender lump in the breast. It may feel like a small, localised area of hardness or a knot beneath the skin. While the surrounding tissue usually remains soft, the specific region of the blocked duct can be painful, especially when touched or during breastfeeding.

While some blocked milk ducts can resolve on their own, proactive measures significantly speed up the process and prevent potential complications. Using Lactamo to gently massage the breast can both prevent and help to resolve blocked milk ducts. By gently massaging with a warmed Lactamo before feeds and applying a cooled Lactamo after feeds, you encourage better milk flow and can assist in clearing the blockage more efficiently.

Stress is not a direct cause of blocked ducts. However can impact your breastfeeding experience including the milk ejection reflex which can result in the breast not emptying as well. This may contribute to blocked milk ducts. It is best to try and manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques when breastfeeding to support your milk flow. 

Yes, it's possible, although rare, to experience blocked milk ducts during pregnancy. The breasts are preparing for lactation and undergo significant changes during this period, making them susceptible to issues like blockages. If you notice a lump or tenderness during pregnancy, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the best care.

This is a traditional remedy that many mothers swear by! Cabbage leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Placing a chilled cabbage leaf directly on the affected area can provide relief from pain and swelling. However, it's essential to note that while cabbage leaves can offer temporary relief, they aren't a guaranteed cure for blocked ducts. Products like Lactamo, in conjunction with proper breastfeeding techniques, remain a more reliable solution.

The frequency of blocked milk ducts varies among mothers. Some may never experience it, while others might face recurrent blockages. Factors influencing this include breastfeeding technique, breast anatomy, feeding patterns and overall health. Implementing a consistent breastfeeding routine, ensuring effective latching, and using tools like Lactamo proactively can help reduce the occurrence of blocked milk ducts.

You can get a blocked milk duct when:

  • You go longer between feeds or pumping sessions.
  • Your baby sleeps for longer.
  • Your baby doesn’t drain your breast completely during a feed (this can happen if a feed is rushed or your baby isn’t attached well).
  • You have pressure or an injury to your breast, such as a tight or ill-fitting bra, pressure from your seatbelt, or sleeping on your stomach.

Mamas with breastmilk oversupply are more likely to experience blocked milk ducts.

Maintaining breastfeeding (as you usually would), wearing comfortable and well-fitting clothes and bras that don’t place pressure on your breasts, and looking after yourself are all ways to help keep blocked milk ducts at bay. We know it’s often easier said than done when you’re a mama but try to make sure you’re resting and sleeping when you can, eating well and staying hydrated.

Mamas surveyed as part of an independent clinical trial on Lactamo carried out by Deakin University and the Western Health Partnership used Lactamo as a preventative tool to help avoid blocked ducts. One mama commented “I have used [my Lactamo] more in the last couple of weeks because I had a bit of pain from time to time on both sides, so I wasn’t sure if I had a blockage, so for me, I use it as a preventative and a method of relieving pressure or pain.”

Following the steps to relieve blocked milk ducts before the problem strikes can help nip potential problems in the bud.