Mastitis and Clogged Ducts: 9 Products Breastfeeding Moms Must Have
Time to read 7 min
Breastfeeding can be such a beautiful bonding journey, but when mastitis or clogged ducts strike, it can quickly turn into a painful and exhausting experience. The good news is, with the right tools at home, you can ease discomfort sooner, support smoother milk flow, and feel more in control during those stressful moments. Here are 9 must-have products breastfeeding mums should keep on hand for comfort, relief, and peace of mind.
Breastfeeding Must Have Essentials
Mastitis vs Clogged Ducts (Quick Guide for New Mums) 9 Breastfeeding Lifesavers To Alleviate Clogged Ducts & Mastitis 1) Hot & Cold Breast Relief Gel Pads (Hot Compress for Engorgement + Clogs) 2) Silver Nursing Cups (Nipple Protection + Comfort) 3) A Reliable Breast Pump (To Keep Milk Moving) 4) Sunflower Lecithin Supplements (Prevents Clogged Ducts, Improving Milk Flow) 5) Breast Massage Tool / Lactation Massager 6) Supportive Wireless Nursing Bra (No Compression) 7) A Large Waterbottle / Cup (Encourages Hydration) 8) Disposable Nursing Pads (Leak Control + Dry Comfort) 9) A Comfortable “Breastfeeding Station” (Because Comfort = Less Prone to Missed Feeds) What To Do When You Feel a Clogged Duct Coming On
Breastfeeding Essentials
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Mastitis vs Clogged Ducts (Quick Guide for New Mums)
Q) What are clogged ducts?
Clogged ducts happen when milk flow is blocked in part of the breast, causing a tender lump, fullness, or soreness in a specific area. It’s common during breastfeeding and often improves with gentle, frequent milk removal.
Q) What is mastitis?
Mastitis is breast inflammation that can cause intense pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever or flu-like symptoms. It may develop from untreated clogged ducts and usually needs prompt attention and rest.
Q) Why do they happen?
Clogged ducts and mastitis can occur when milk isn’t removed effectively, such as from skipped feeds, engorgement, poor latch, tight bras, or oversupply. Stress and exhaustion can also make it harder for your body to recover.
Q) What are some early signs?
Early signs include a sore or firm lump in the breast, tenderness, warmth, or a patch of redness, along with discomfort during feeding. If you start feeling feverish, achy, or unwell, it could be progressing into mastitis and you should seek medical advice.
9 Breastfeeding Lifesavers To Alleviate Clogged Ducts & Mastitis
1) Hot & Cold Breast Relief Gel Pads (Hot Compress for Engorgement + Clogs)
What is itâť“: Hot & cold breast relief gel pads are reusable compress pads that can be warmed or chilled to support breastfeeding comfort.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Warmth helps stimulate milk flow before feeds or pumping, while cold helps reduce swelling and soreness from engorgement or clogged duct - both of which can lower the risk of clogged ducts or mastitis.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Use warm for 5-10 minutes before feeding, then switch to cold after to soothe and calm tender breasts.
Featured pick âś…: Dear Cherie Hot & Cold Breast Relief Gel Pads (1 Pair)
2) Silver Nursing Cups (Nipple Protection + Comfort)
What is itâť“: Silver nursing cups are reusable silver shields worn over the nipples between feeds to protect and soothe sensitive skin.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: By reducing nipple soreness, friction, and cracks, they make feeding and pumping more comfortable - helping mums maintain consistent milk removal, which is key to preventing clogged ducts and mastitis.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Place them directly over clean, dry nipples after feeding and wear them inside your bra for comfortable relief.
Featured pick âś…: Dear Cherie Silver Nursing Cups (1 Pair)
3) A Reliable Breast Pump (To Keep Milk Moving)
What is it❓: A reliable breast pump is a breastfeeding essential that helps express milk efficiently - either when baby isn’t feeding well or if you’re exclusively pumping.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Regular, effective milk removal prevents milk buildup and engorgement, which are common triggers for clogged ducts and mastitis.
Pro-tip💡: Use it to fully empty the breast during skipped feeds or when you feel a clog coming on, and stick to a consistent pumping schedule if you’re exclusively pumping.
Featured pick âś…:Â Elvie Stride 2 Double - Soft-Silicone Hospital Grade Breast Pump
4) Sunflower Lecithin Supplements (Prevents Clogged Ducts, Improving Milk Flow)
What is itâť“: Sunflower lecithin is a breastfeeding-friendly supplement commonly used to support smoother milk flow by helping reduce milk thickness.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Many mums take it to help prevent or manage recurring clogged ducts, especially during engorgement or frequent pumping.
Pro-tip💡: You can begin taking sunflower lecithin while breastfeeding once you start noticing clogged ducts, or even earlier as a preventive step if you’re prone to them.
Featured pick âś…:Â iHerb NOW Foods Sunflower Lecithin
5) Breast Massage Tool / Lactation Massager
What is itâť“: A breast or lactation massager is a gentle tool (often with vibration or heat) designed to support milk flow during breastfeeding or pumping.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Light massage can help relieve tight spots and encourage better drainage, reducing the chances of milk buildup turning into clogged ducts or mastitis.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Use it gently while feeding or pumping and avoid pressing too hard, as aggressive massage can worsen inflammation.
6) Supportive Wireless Nursing Bra (No Compression)
What is itâť“: A comfortable nursing bra is a supportive, easy-access bra designed for breastfeeding and changing breast sizes postpartum.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Tight bras and underwires can compress breast tissue and restrict milk flow, increasing the risk of clogged ducts and mastitis.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Choose a wireless, stretchy fit and consider sizing up for the first few weeks when your breasts size fluctuate most.
7) A Large Waterbottle / Cup (Encourages Hydration)
Why it helps 🤷‍♀️: Drinking more water keeps you hydrated, which supports overall recovery and milk production, and helps your body cope better when you’re managing engorgement, clogged ducts, or mastitis symptoms.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Keep it beside your nursing spot and aim to sip during every feed or pumping session so you never fall behind.
8) Disposable Nursing Pads (Leak Control + Dry Comfort)
What is itâť“: Disposable breast pads are absorbent inserts worn inside your bra to catch milk leaks and keep the nipple area dry.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Staying dry helps reduce irritation and friction on sensitive nipples, making feeding more comfortable and supporting consistent milk removal, which helps prevent clogged ducts and mastitis.
Pro-tipđź’ˇ: Choose ultra-thin, breathable pads and change them often, especially after heavy leaks or night feeds.
Featured pick âś…: Dear Cherie Disposable Ultra-Thin Nursing Breast Pads (Box of 50)
9) A Comfortable “Breastfeeding Station” (Because Comfort = Less Prone to Missed Feeds)
What is itâť“: A comfortable breastfeeding station is a dedicated setup with a comfortable nursing chair and supportive breastfeeding cushion to help you feed or pump with ease.
Why you need it🤷‍♀️: Good posture and proper support make latching and milk removal more effective, more comfortable, and helps reduces strain, missed feeds, and milk buildup that can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis.
Pro-tip💡: Keep essentials like water, breast pads, gel packs, and your pump within arm’s reach so you can stay consistent and relaxed during every session.
Featured picks ✅: DaVinci Piper Recliner and Swivel Glider and Doomoo Buddy Nursing Pillow
What To Do When You Feel a Clogged Duct Coming On
Feed or pump often
Frequent milk removal is the most important step to clear a clogged duct, so continue breastfeeding or pumping regularly to keep milk flowing. Aim for gentle, consistent drainage rather than trying to “force” it out in one session.
Warm compress before + cold after
Apply warmth for a few minutes before feeding or pumping to encourage letdown and improve milk flow. Afterward, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, soothe soreness, and calm inflammation.
Light massage while feeding
Gently massage from the clogged area towards the nipple during a feed or pump session to help milk drain more smoothly. Avoid pressing too hard, as aggressive massage can worsen inflammation and pain.
Rest, hydrate, reduce pressure (no tight bras)
Your body heals faster when you’re rested and well-hydrated, so treat this like a recovery moment and slow down where possible. Wear loose, wireless bras and avoid pressure on the breast to prevent further blockage.
Monitor for fever & flu-like symptoms
If you start feeling feverish, achy, or unwell, or notice increasing redness and pain, it may be progressing into mastitis. Seek medical advice promptly, especially if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within 24 hours.
Clogged ducts and mastitis can feel overwhelming, but the truth is they can happen to anyone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. With the right support and a few reliable essentials on hand, relief can come much faster than you think, especially with gentle, consistent milk removal and soothing comfort care. Most importantly, listen to your body and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. You’re doing an amazing job, and you deserve care too.
Dear Cherie was created to support you through this season with a thoughtfully curated range of postpartum recovery and breastfeeding care essentials, from perineal comfort and gentle intimate care to nipple and breast relief must-haves. Wherever you are in your motherhood journey, we’re here to help you feel supported every step of the way. Shop here.
