Dangle feeding for Clogged Ducts

Clogged Ducts? Dangle Feeding Might Help (And Yes, It’s Exactly What It Sounds Like)

If you're reading this with a hot rice sock on your breast and a baby half-asleep on your chest - hi, mama. You’re not alone. Clogged milk ducts can be so painful, and they always seem to show up at the worst time (like… every time?).

One little trick that might help? Dangle feeding. Yep, it sounds a little weird - but stay with me. It can make a big difference.

What Is a Clogged Duct, Anyway?

A clogged duct happens when there's swelling, narrowing and inflammation within the milk ducts. You might feel:

• A hard lump in your breast
• Tenderness or pain in one area
• Slower milk flow
• A red or warm patch on your breast

It’s frustrating, and if it doesn’t clear up, it can turn into mastitis (which is basically a boob flu—no thank you).

Enter: Dangle Feeding

Dangle feeding is when you let gravity help pull the milk down and out by leaning over your baby while nursing or pumping.

Basically, you're using your body like a milk waterfall. Gravity can help loosen the clog and get milk moving again.

How to Dangle Feed While Breastfeeding

It sounds awkward—and it kind of is—but it's doable. Here's how:

1. Set up your baby lying flat on a safe surface.
   A bed or floor works. Put a towel or blanket underneath for comfort.
2. Get on all fours over your baby.
   Yep. You’re going to feel like a mom cat (or, cow?). That’s okay. Let your breast hang down into your baby’s mouth.
3. Let baby nurse as usual.
   Gravity helps milk drain more effectively from the clogged area.

Bonus tip: If you know where the clog is, aim your baby’s chin toward that spot. That side of their mouth usually has the strongest suction.

How to Dangle Pump

If your baby isn’t nursing right now or you’re exclusively pumping, you can still use gravity:

1. Lean forward slightly while pumping.
   Think: elbows on your knees, pump flanges pointing downward.
2. Massage gently while you pump.
   Use your fingers or a warm compress to massage the clogged spot. Remember - gentle
3. Stay relaxed and breathe.
   Milk flows better when you’re calm. (Easier said than done, I know.)

Does It Really Work?

For many moms—yes. Dangle feeding is one of those “try it and see” tricks. Some find instant relief. Others might need to do it a couple times in a day. It's not magic, but combined with other things like:

• cool compresses (there's inflammation so we don't want to cause more inflammation by adding heat)
• Massage
• Continued feeding on demand or pumping whenever babe is drinking from a bottle.

…it can help get things moving again.

A Few Reminders:

• Drink water. Seriously. Your body needs it.
• Rest as much as you can (even if that means lying down with baby more).
• If the clog doesn’t clear in a day or two—or you feel feverish, achy, or see redness spreading—call your provider. You might be dealing with mastitis and need meds.

Mama, You’re Doing Amazing

Clogged ducts are rough. But they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Breastfeeding is hard work, and your body is doing a lot. If all you did today was keep your baby fed and yourself semi-functioning - you’ve done enough.

So go ahead and try the dangle. Get weird. Get that milk moving.

And don’t forget - you’re not alone in this.

Reach out today - I am your local international board certified lactation consultant and I would love to be part of your journey. Supporting York Region (Markham, Stouffville, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Thornhill, Aurora) and Durham Region (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa)