Plugged/clogged milk ducts
These are hard lumps, which are often small in size formed when the milk clogs up and blocks the narrow milk ducts. It causes the area around the plunged duct to be red, tender and swollen. It is caused by:
- Incorrect breastfeeding latch
- Blebs
- Overabundant milk supply
- Too much pressure on the mammary gland
- Dehydration
Solutions: avoid restrictive clothing that is too tight, position properly during latch on, breastfeed often, apply heat on affected areas, and express milk either by hand or pump to free up the clogged area. Visit the doctor if the lump gets bigger and doesn’t go away within a few days.