Linda write: <<<Also, she wants to know what will happen if the plug doesn't dislodge....I told her she might experience a mastitis, or loose the milk supply in that area?>>> I read that a recent study of breast tissue has revealed that there is a lot more interconnection between duct systems than previously thought. In other words, if a duct is blocked some of the milk may be able to be diverted higher up via an interconnection to another duct. I understand that this happens between ducts in a lobe, but not betwen lobes. Don't ask me for the reference, I am only half way through tidying my office. Does anyone else have it? This may explain why it is hard to predict the outcome of blocked ducts that don't seem to clear. Perhaps, if there is an alternate route higher up the milk eventually gets used to that route and stops putting pressure on the blocked area. Perhaps, sometimes, there is no alternate route, in which case I would expect the milk would build up fast with the mother experiencing more exaggerated symptoms, sooner. Is this why some blockages go to mastitis fast, while others have a slower course and seem to resolve? There is so much we don't know about the breast. But if a 1000 LCs share their knowledge and clinical experience through Lactnet, surely we can make some progress. Ros Escott Tasmania, Australia