Breastfeeding and pumping come with their fair share of surprises. The biggest lesson for me was that comfort matters just as much as supply. Between sore nipples, tightness, and the occasional clogged duct, a few simple things have helped keep milk flowing and the pain away.
Here’s what I keep on hand to help prevent clogs and make feeding and pumping smoother, less painful, and more manageable.
1. Sunflower Lecithin
When I feel a clog starting, I reach for Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin. It keeps milk flowing smoothly and helps prevent that painful pressure that can turn into mastitis. After a few bad clogs early on, I started taking it whenever I felt that firm, sore spot forming. I keep a bottle in my breastfeeding basket at all times. It’s gentle enough for daily use, but I usually take it for a few days at a time when I feel things tightening up.
Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin 1200mg
- Prevents clogged ducts
- Keeps milk flowing smoothly
- Gentle for daily use
- Made in USA
2. Heat and Massage
Heat is your best friend when it comes to preventing or easing clogged ducts. I use Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Pads and warm them in the microwave before nursing or pumping. The warmth helps soften tissue and makes milk let down more easily. If I feel a stubborn spot, I’ll grab my electric toothbrush (with a clean head) and use the back of it to gently vibrate over the area while feeding or pumping. It works surprisingly well and costs nothing extra.
Lansinoh Breast Therapy Packs
- Hot and cold therapy
- Includes soft covers
- Helps with mastitis
- Eases engorgement
3. Manual Breast Pump
The Haakaa is simple but genius. You suction it on the opposite side while feeding, and it collects letdown that would otherwise go to waste. I used it during morning feeds and usually ended up with an extra ounce or two to freeze without needing to pump. It also helps keep milk flowing evenly, which can prevent some of that fullness that leads to clogs. Just make sure to break the suction gently before removing it to avoid any pulling.
haakaa Manual Breast Pump
- Collects letdown passively
- No pumping required
- BPA-free silicone
- Easy to clean
4. Nipple Care
The Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter is the one I reorder every couple of weeks because it’s that good. It’s safe for baby, so you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding, and a little goes a long way. I use it daily to prevent dryness or cracks. Keeping your skin healthy and moisturized helps avoid inflammation, which can make ducts more prone to clogging.
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
- Safe for baby
- No need to wipe off
- Prevents dryness and cracks
- Organic ingredients
5. Stay Hydrated
It sounds basic, but hydration makes a big difference for both milk flow and comfort. When I’m dehydrated, I notice my milk feels thicker and it’s easier for things to get backed up.
I keep a large water bottle near my pump or nursing chair and refill it constantly. My goal is to drink at least a full bottle every time I pump or nurse. It’s one of the simplest ways to support your body and keep things moving.
6. A Warm Shower
If things start to feel tight or uncomfortable, a warm shower almost always helps. I let the water run directly over my chest and gently massage the area with my hand until things start to release.
Sometimes I’ll use the shower as a reset when I can feel a clog brewing. The heat, water pressure, and quiet moment all help milk move more freely and ease soreness.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need every gadget out there, but a few reliable items and small habits can make a big difference in avoiding clogs. For me, it’s all about warmth, gentle movement, hydration, and keeping up with sunflower lecithin.
If you’re in the early weeks, take it one feed at a time. Clogs happen, but with the right mix of care and comfort, they don’t have to spiral into something worse.