How do you know you have blocked milk ducts?

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-Blocked milk ducts occur occasionally due to an accumulation of milk within the milk ducts.
-Blocked ducts can occur from poor feeding, incorrect positioning and attachment, missed feeds, or a blocked nipple pore. Blockage can also occur from a tight fitting bra, straps from a carrier or restrictive clothing.
-If the blocked ducted, which can feel like a hard lump under the skin is not resolved then this can result in insufficient milk drainage or mastitis.
-To resolve this problem make sure the baby is correctly positioned and attached at the breast; frequent feeding beginning with affected side; complete drainage of the breast which baby is feeding from; warm packs to breast before feeds; warm/hot showers with massage of the breast and affected area; massage of affected area during feeding; changing the position of baby at breast to either cradle, clutch or side lying position.
-Improvement can be noticed by the end of a feed or within 24-48 hours.

Reference: Nicols F.H & Zwelling E. 1997 "Maternal-Newborn Nursing", W.B. Saunders Company, USA.