Blocked Ducts & Mastitis: Signs & Treatment | Parenting Hub
A blocked duct caught early settles fast. Mastitis with fever needs same-day GP care. Here's how to tell them apart and what to do.
A tender lump in one breast is usually a blocked duct. Add a fever, red patch and flu-like symptoms and it's mastitis — and that's a same-day GP visit.
Blocked duct vs mastitis
Blocked duct: tender lump, slightly red, no fever, you feel well. Mastitis: lump + red wedge-shaped patch + fever ≥38°C + flu-like body aches. Mastitis can develop in hours from an unresolved block.
Treating a blocked duct at home
- Keep feeding from the affected side — emptying is the cure
- Warm compress before the feed; cool pack after
- Gentle lymphatic stroking toward the armpit (not deep massage — that worsens swelling)
- Position baby with chin pointing toward the lump
- Rest, hydrate, ibuprofen for pain
When to call the GP
Same day if you have fever, flu-like symptoms, a red patch, or the lump isn't softer after 24 hours. Mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics — keep feeding through it, the milk is safe.
When to seek help
- Fever ≥38°C with breast pain
- Red, hot, hard patch on the breast
- Pus from the nipple
- No improvement after 24 hours of home care
- Repeated mastitis (>2 episodes)
Common questions
Is it safe to keep feeding with mastitis?
Yes — emptying the breast is part of the treatment. Your milk is safe for baby.
Should I deep-massage the lump?
No — current guidance (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 2022) advises against deep massage. Use gentle lymphatic stroking instead.