Lumps in breasts

by Amanda
(Maryland)

I have some lumps that are not painful in breast. Are these normal while breastfeeding?

Answer from the lactation consultant

I would not say they are "normal" but I would say it occurs in many women. These are usually plugged ducts. If a region of the breasts feels lumpy, it can simply be from not emptying well. BUT if you feel a smallish bump/lump like the size of a pea to a gumball in the breast, then it is likely a plugged duct. All you need to do is put some warm moist heat on the breast (like a washcloth or a heating pad for a few minutes then massage the plug loose. Or you can simply point the baby's nose toward the plug at the next feed and massage it while he/she feeds and loosen it that way. Sometimes plugs resolve themselves but sometimes they turn into breast infections: mastitis. So I do recommend trying to rid them. Often they are caused by incomplete emptying, skipped feedings, tight or underwire bras. And sometimes women are just prone to getting them for unknown reasons. If you continue to get them, then I suggest talking to your doctor about taking a lecithin supplement. This article will explain how it helps: lecithin for plugged ducts


Hope this helps,

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC