Kalvie · Evidence-based lactation support

Plugged duct? Find out how serious it is in 30 seconds.

A free, evidence-based check based on the 2022 ABM guidelines. No signup. No spam. Just answers — and a clear plan.

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Based on ABM Protocol #36 (2022) Reviewed sources: CDC, ILCA
A mom comforting her baby in soft morning light
What's going on?

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ABM Protocol #36 (2022)

Here's the plan. Based on evidence.

Ice15 min every 2–3 hours between feeds
Anti-inflammatoryIbuprofen 400–800 mg with food (if safe)
RestSkip a pump, sleep, lower stress
Time + gentle hand expressionLight strokes toward the nipple, never deep massage

Call your doctor if: fever 101°F+, spreading redness, flu-like symptoms, or no improvement in 48 hours.

The old advice that makes it worse

3 AM. You feel a hard, painful lump.

Google says massage it. Your mom says heat it. The 2022 ABM guidelines say stop. Heat + deep massage can push bacteria deeper — and about 1 in 4 nursing moms develop mastitis.

Don't guess. Find out exactly where you are — and what to do next.

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A calm self-care corner at 3 AM: ice pack, warm water and a folded towel