A plugged duct usually feels like a tender lump in the breast. It may be warm and have some redness over the lump.
Plugged ducts can happen when milk is not drained well from the breast. This can happen when there is too much pressure inside the breast. Examples might be:
- Baby not sucking well
- Not “emptying” the breast
- Skipped feeding
- Breast too full
- Oversupply of milk
- Weaning too quickly
Pressure outside the breast may also cause a plugged duct. A few examples might be:
- Tight fitting bras
- Bunched clothing pushing on breast
- Car seats or baby carrier straps
- Mothers fingers if pushing on breast in one spot for prolonged time
