BLOCKED MILK DUCTS Credit: @thehonestmidwife Blocked milk ducts can occur if the breast isn’t draining properly or alongside prolonged periods of engorgement. However, in my own experience I actually had the occasional blocked duct without either of these so, they can just happen. That said, they are more likely if your baby doesn’t have a good latch as their ability to drain the breast efficiently will be hindered. A blocked duct feels like a small, tender lump in your breast - a little bit like a frozen pea. Gentle massage on the area can help alongside frequent feeding on the affected breast. Try to position your baby with their chin pointing towards the lump as this helps them to feed from where the blocked duct is. Alternatively you can try this hack using a silicone breast pump, warm water and epsom salts. Fill your silicone pump with warm water and a couple of tablespoons full of epsom salts and then stir. Attach the pump to the breast with the blocked duct and keep attached for 10-15 minutes. The heat, suction and salts will work to release the duct. It may be necessary to do this a few times. If at any point to feel unwell or get a fever make sure you speak to your GP as you may be developing an infection known as mastitis. Did you suffer with a blocked duct? If so what helped? #gettingyouready #breastfeedingproblems #blockedmilkducts #breastfeeding #midwifeadvice #onlineantenatalclass #breastfeedingsupport #infantfeeding