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What are Milk Ducts?

By Adrien-Luc Sanders
Updated: Mar 03, 2024

Milk ducts are a key part of lactation. In the breast, the ducts connect the milk-producing glands, also known as mammary glands, with the nipple. The milk is contained within lobes in the mammary glands. It then passes through the ducts to the lactiferous sinus, a dilation that stores the milk at the tip of the nipple until it is expelled. Other names for milk ducts include lactiferous ducts, galactophorous ducts, and mammary ducts.

The mammary lobes are situated in the central mass of the breast, connected by a branching network of lactiferous ducts. During lactation — usually induced by childbirth — the glands begin to produce milk. As this passes into the ducts, they converge towards the nipple. The milk gathers in the enlarged area of the lactiferous sinus, which rests between the main channels of the milk ducts and the smaller channels through which milk leaves the nipple. When suction or pressure is applied to the nipple during nursing, milk squeezes from the lactiferous sinus through the last of the duct and exits the nipple.

When an obstruction forms in any area of the primary channel or at the nipple pore, milk ducts can become clogged. If the nipple pore is not properly cleaned, milk can build up within the opening, dry up, and create a plug that blocks the opening. Sometimes a thin layer of skin will grow over the nipple pore, blocking it and creating a blister that fills with milk. Clogs can also build up over time deeper within the duct. Obstructions can be caused by feeding improperly or not often enough, ill-fitting nursing bras, incorrect use of a breast pump, or illness.

More severe cases of milk duct obstruction can lead to a condition known as mastitis, which is an infection of the breast. Mastitis may be caused by aggravated or extended obstructions, which can become infected. The condition can also arise from bacteria entering the body through the nipple pore, either during feeding or some other kind of contact. Without antibiotics the infection can persist and can even taint breast milk.

Inflammation, soreness, hard areas of breast tissue, and tender lumps in the breast can all be signs of clogged milk ducts. In the case of mastitis, these symptoms may be accompanied by fever, chills, or fatigue. Usually these signs occur only in one breast, unless the lactating female suffers obstructions caused by improper draining or feeding in both breasts.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

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Discussion Comments
By Kat919 — On Dec 09, 2011

@MissDaphne - I've had mastitis and it was really dramatic! Symptoms of a clogged milk duct can include a low fever and a general feeling of unwellness. Mastitis feels more like the flu. The classic sign is a fever over 101.

You can probably give it a day or two to see if you feel better or worse. Rest as much as possible; maybe take baby to bed with you and watch some daytime TV! Nurse as often as you can, always on that side first.

They said that it's helpful to point baby's chin toward the lump or sore spot; I don't know if that's an old wives' tale or not, but it's worth trying. In any case, a clogged duct can result from always nursing in one position, so that the whole breast isn't emptied, so trying new nursing positions can help resolve the clog.

You can find other ideas online for clearing a clogged duct. Rest and feel better!

By MissDaphne — On Dec 08, 2011

If you have milk duct pain, how can you tell whether it is just a clogged duct or actually mastitis?

I do have some light chills and aches, but not a high fever. Without seeing me, my doctor called in antibiotics for me, but I don't want to take them if I don't have to - don't want to risk the yeast infection/thrush cycle starting up! Is there a way to be sure? My La Leche League leader said it sounded more like a clogged duct.

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