If you notice a tender spot, redness or sore lump in your breast you may have a plugged duct.
A plugged duct usually occurs when a milk duct is not properly drained. Milk or cast off cells accumulating within the duct may form a plug, causing milk to back up behind it. This can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Plugged ducts don't go accompanied with fever and flu-like symptoms like a breast infection, but if not treated properly and quickly they may develop into a breast infection.

ACTIONS

* Apply heat to the affected area (hot compress, heating pad, warm shower) prior to   nursing.
* While nursing from the affected side use massage to encourage proper draining,
  starting behind the sore spot, working towards the nipple in firm, circular motion.
* Nurse frequently, at least every 2 hours, always starting with the affected breast first.
* Take adequate rest. Plugged ducts are often a first sign that you are doing too much.
* Try different nursing positions, make sure the baby is positioned and latched on well.
* If baby does not empty breast or doesn't want to nurse, pump or express milk.
* Make sure you don't wear constrictive clothing, especially your bra.

By following these measures you will usually feel better after a day or two. If after a week of careful treatment the symptoms are still present or have worsened, contact your doctor.

Knowing the reason for the plugged duct can be reassuring and can help prevent it from happening again.

The most common causes are:
* Missed or shortened feedings, so your breasts become overfull. For example when
  your baby suddenly sleeps through the night, when your baby uses a pacifier for long
  periods of time or when you give supplementary bottles. In these cases the answer is:
  avoid skipping feedings or pump breasts so they don't become overfull.
* External pressure on the breast can restrict the flow of milk and cause inflammation,
 for example: a tight bra or constrictive clothing, pressure on the breast from sleeping
  on your stomach or baby resting on your breast, wearing breast shells for long periods
  of time.
* Poor positioning or latch-on so milk ducts are not properly drained. Check the
  positioning and latch on of your baby carefully.
  (see section POSITIONING YOUR BABY).

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