Anecdotally only, several things seem to be a factor in chronic plugged ducts and they are related to inadequate breast drainage: an improperly fitting bra and/or a bra that is worn 24 hours a day. (This is something that is rarely volunteered by mothers when they give a history.) infrequent changing of nursing position, relying only on 1 or 2 positions, usually the cradle hold long intervals between nursing, often due to nipple soreness I like to try to fix the above before looking for more complicated causes. Sarah Sarah Friend Barnett LLLL, IBCLC Bronx (New York City), NY - [log in to unmask] " You are not obliged to finish the task, neither are you free to neglect it." R. Tarfon