What is a blocked duct?
A blocked milk duct happens when milk can't flow freely through one of the small channels in the breast. It usually shows up as a tender lump, a sore spot during a feed, or a small area of redness. Left alone, blocked ducts can progress to mastitis within a day or two — which is why catching them early matters.
Common triggers include a missed feed, pressure from a tight bra or carrier strap, oversupply, baby's latch changing, or simply being run-down. Sometimes there's no clear cause — it just happens.
The newer, gentler approach
Old-school advice was to massage hard, apply heat, and feed aggressively from the affected side. The current evidence — including the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's 2022 protocol — has flipped much of that. Aggressive massage can damage tissue and increase inflammation. Cold compresses, gentle drainage and reducing inflammation now lead the playbook.
That's exactly what Low-Level Laser Therapy does — without you having to do anything painful.
How LLLT clears a blocked duct
- Reduces local inflammation so milk can move through the duct again
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage, clearing the surrounding fluid
- Supports tissue repair, lowering the chance of recurrence in the same spot
The session is painless and safe to combine with continued breastfeeding. Most mums leave feeling looser and noticeably more comfortable.
What a visit looks like
Either at your home or at the Palm Beach clinic — your choice.
- Quick history and assessment of the affected side
- LLLT applied directly over the blockage (8–15 min)
- Therapeutic ultrasound if helpful
- Gentle lymphatic-style drainage techniques
- Positioning and feeding advice tailored to you and your baby
- A clear plan for the next 24–48 hours
Pricing
When to escalate
Most blocked ducts resolve quickly. Contact your GP or hospital if you develop a high fever, severe pain, or symptoms keep worsening despite treatment — that may be mastitis or, rarely, an abscess. Hayley will always advise you if a medical review is needed.
Common questions
Will one session be enough?
Often yes, if caught early. Persistent or recurrent blockages benefit from a follow-up at 24–48 hours, or the 3-pack if it's a pattern.
What's the difference between a blocked duct and mastitis?
A blocked duct is localised — a tender lump, maybe a small red patch, but you generally feel okay otherwise. Mastitis adds systemic symptoms: fever, chills, flu-like fatigue. The treatment for both starts the same, but mastitis warrants closer monitoring. More on mastitis →
Can I do anything between now and the appointment?
Keep feeding or pumping as normal — don't skip. Cold compresses between feeds help. Avoid aggressive massage. Stay hydrated and rest where you can.