Ultrasound for Plugged Milk Ducts
While breastfeeding creates a beautiful bonding experience for Mom and Baby, what’s not so enjoyable is when a mother has clogged milk ducts. This type of blockage is common during breastfeeding and can cause discomfort, pain, and infection.
A plugged milk duct can feel like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. This discomfort is caused by the pressure behind the blocked duct, which can also lead to inflammation and redness in the surrounding tissue. It is not uncommon for a plugged milk duct to only occur in one breast at a time. However, it is crucial to address this issue as soon as you feel it.
A Safe & Non-invasive Therapy
One of the ways we can address clogged milk ducts at Structure Integrative Healthcare is with ultrasound, a sound wave that is too high-pitched for humans to hear. Ultrasound utilizes sound waves to generate heat within the tissues. This heat helps break up the blockage in the milk duct, allowing the milk to flow more freely.
Ultrasound offers a range of benefits as a safe and effective treatment for plugged milk ducts. Here are some of the primary ones:
- Helps stimulate milk flow, ensuring a healthy milk supply for your baby
- Reduces inflammation and accelerates healing by targeting the affected area
- Relieves the pain and discomfort associated with plugged milk ducts
- Helps prevent the development of mastitis, a more serious condition, by effectively clearing blockages
- Is a proven treatment option that ensures the well-being of both mothers and babies
During your session, Dr. Cortney will apply a gel to your breast and then use an ultrasound transducer to move over the affected area. The transducer emits sound waves that create heat in the tissues, promoting the breakdown of the blockage. Typically, each session lasts around 10 to 15 minutes.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the blockage. Fortunately, most women experience significant relief within just a few ultrasound sessions.
Is ultrasound safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, this therapy is completely safe while breastfeeding. The sound waves do not penetrate the milk ducts and pose no harm to you or your baby.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing plugged milk ducts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cortney to learn more about how ultrasound can help you.
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