As a first time mom, I unfortunately have experienced one too many clogged ducts. I got my first one 3 days after my son was born and WOW, I was not prepared for how brutal they can be. Here I am sharing exactly how I clear clogged milk ducts fast, from a mom who gets them often!
This post goes through step by step of how I clear clogged milk ducts fast! This is just my personal routine (definitely not medical advice!), but after going through this more times than I can count, I’ve found a system that really helps me get relief quickly and avoid things escalating to mastitis.
There’s a lot of mixed information out there about how to handle clogged ducts, so take what feels good for your body and leave the rest.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you.
First things first, try not to stress too much! I know it can feel scary but stressing really won’t help anything! Let’s jump into everything I do to clear clogged milk ducts fast!
Supplements
One of the first things I do is increase my supplements! The key here is to boost my immune system and decrease inflammation fast. These are my go-to supplements that I’ve found actually make a difference:
Turmeric – I take turmeric to help reduce inflammation. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and I really feel like it helps things move along quicker. Here’s a link to my favorite turmeric supplement! Here’s a link to my favorite Turmeric to take! Garden of Life Turmeric
Vitamin C – I load up on vitamin C to give my immune system a big boost. I’m talking several doses a day when I feel a clog coming on—your body needs all the help it can get to fight off infection. I love the Flav City Vitamin C!
Sunflower Lecithin – This one is a clogged duct essential. Sunflower lecithin helps thin out your milk, making it easier for clogs to clear. My midwife recommended taking large doses for a few days until things resolved, then stopping. I also took it daily for a while postpartum since I was so prone to clogs, and I really believe it helped prevent them. (Be sure to ask your provider about the right dose for you!). I love either the Legendary Milk brand or the NOW sunflower lecithin, whichever one you can get your hands on!
Beef Liver – This is one of my favorite nutrient-dense supplements for postpartum recovery. It’s packed with iron, B vitamins, and vitamin A, which all support healing, hormone balance, and immune function. The Perfect Supplements Beef Liver is such a good price and SO high quality!
Probiotics – I’m a big believer in a daily probiotic. A healthy gut = a stronger immune system, which is so important when you’re fighting inflammation or trying to prevent mastitis. I always keep a high-quality women’s probiotic on hand. Just Thrive Probiotics is my fav hands down!
Happy Ducts Tincture
Happy Ducts Tincture is something I always keep on hand! I truly think that has made a difference in helping clear my clogged duct and to get things moving! Warning: it does taste TERRIBLE but you can take it like a shot with some water. I take this around the clock when I feel a clogged duct coming on and when I am trying to prevent mastitis!
Red Light Therapy
My mom has a LumeBox Red Light and I’m always sure to steal it when I feel a clogged duct coming on! Red light is great for so many things but inflammation is one of them! I put it directly on the area. I usually sit with it on the clogged side for about 15–20 minutes. I’ve found that using red light therapy early, at the first sign of a clog, makes a huge difference in how quickly it clears.
Ice/Heat Gel Packs
There’s definitely mixed info out there about whether to use heat or cold for a clogged duct, so I just do both! I start with a warm compress, usually a heating pad, to help get things moving and loosen up the clog. I’ll usually apply it for 10–15 minutes before nursing or pumping. After a feed, I switch to something cold, like a gel pack or even a bag of frozen peas, to help bring the inflammation down. The combo of heat + cold seems to work best for me and helps reduce that super tender, swollen feeling.
LMNT Electrolytes + Water
Hydration is key when I’m dealing with a clogged duct. I immediately start chugging water and make sure I’m getting in plenty of electrolytes too. My go-to is LMNT, it seriously makes such a difference. The grapefruit and raspberry flavors are my favorite! I find that staying on top of hydration helps my body flush out inflammation faster and keeps my milk flowing better, which is exactly what you want when trying to work through a clog.
Haakaa + Epsom Salts
This little trick has saved me so many times. I fill my Haakaa with warm water and add about a tablespoon of Epsom salt, then suction it onto the side with the clog. I usually leave it on for 10–15 minutes or I have even done it in the shower too. The combination of suction, heat, and Epsom salt really helps draw out the clog! I always do this before nursing to help clear things out a bit.
Rowe Casa Lymphatic Cream
This stuff is a staple in my clogged duct routine. I rub the Rowe Casa Lymphatic Cream directly over the clogged area and around my armpit a few times a day. It’s packed with natural ingredients that help support drainage and reduce inflammation, and I honestly feel like it speeds up the healing process when I use it consistently. I love that it’s a non-toxic option and gentle enough to use while breastfeeding.
Cutting Out Caffeine, Sugar & Prioritizing Rest
As soon as I feel a clog coming on, I try to cut out caffeine and sugar completely for a couple days. This is key to clear clogged milk ducts fast! I know it’s not easy (especially when you’re exhausted), but both can increase inflammation and when you’re dealing with a clogged duct, reducing inflammation is everything. I also try to slow down as much as I can and rest when possible. Even just laying down for 20 minutes with a heating pad can make a difference. I’ve found that giving my body a little extra support and space to heal helps the clog clear faster and keeps things from getting worse.
In Conclusion
If you’re in the thick of a clogged duct right now, I hope this routine brings you some relief. I know firsthand how frustrating and painful they can be but you’re not alone, and there are things that help. Over time, I’ve learned to catch the signs early and jump into action, and that’s made a huge difference in how quickly I can get ahead of it. Listen to your body, take it slow, and give yourself extra grace (and rest!). You’ve got this!
