Common side effects of blocked ducts

Milk supply and pumping output from the affected breast may decrease temporarily. This is normal and extra nursing/pumping generally get things back to normal within a short time. Occasionally a mom may express “strings” or grains of thickened milk or fatty-looking milk. After a plugged duct or mastitis has resolved, it is common for the area to remain reddened or have a bruised feeling for a week or so afterwards.