Have you ever wondered what the small bumps are around your nipple (areola)?
Is it normal to have small bumps around your nipples?
Well, those ‘little bumps’ are actually called Montgomery glands, and they have several important functions.
Some women who notice changes to the bumps on their areola might wonder if it’s a sign of pregnancy.
What Are Montgomery Glands For?
What are these glands for exactly? And are they a pregnancy symptom?
Here are 7 interesting facts you might not know about those little bumps around your nipple:
#1: There’s An Average Of Nine On Each Areola
Women have an average of nine Montgomery glands on each areola. Although some women have none and others have up to 38.
More glands are located on the upper outer part of the areola. Interestingly, this is the area towards which a baby’s nose is often pointed when breastfeeding.
#2: Montgomery Glands Get Bigger During Pregnancy
Most mothers notice that their Montgomery glands become more prominent during pregnancy.
Montgomery glands must increase in size, because they have an important role to play when your baby is born.
If it’s possible you might be pregnant, be sure to check out our article about pregnancy symptoms, to see other signs that you might be pregnant.
#3: They Are Important For Lubrication
Montgomery glands produce oily secretions that help to keep your areola and nipple lubricated and protected.
This is the reason why is it often suggested to not wash your nipple/areola area with soap.
#4: Montgomery Glands Help Reduce Infection Risk
The oily secretion that Montgomery glands produce also contains antimicrobial factors that help prevent germs growing.
#5: Milk Can Leak From Them!
Around 20% of breastfeeding mothers report seeing breastmilk coming from their Montgomery glands.
This can happen because these important glands consist of both milk glands and sebaceous (sweat) glands.
#6: They’re Important To Help Your Baby Find Your Breast
Perhaps the most interesting function of Montgomery glands is their possible role in helping to establish breastfeeding by assisting your baby to find your breast.
Straight after a baby is born and is placed on her mother’s chest in skin-to-skin contact, she displays natural instincts to seek out her mother’s breast and self-attach. This important imprinting and learning a baby does at this time is very beneficial and can help prevent attachment problems as you learn together how to breastfeed successfully.
A baby’s sense of smell is her most important sense to help her find your breasts. The smell of amniotic fluid (which is familiar to the baby) is supposedly similar to the secretion produced by Montgomery glands. It could be the smell of the secretion from the glands that helps guide your baby to your breasts.
Interestingly, the more Montgomery glands a mother has, the less time it takes for her baby to pick up the scent from them. Therefore it takes her less time to attach and begin feeding.
#7: Montgomery Glands Can Get Infected
Though they contain antimicrobial properties, it’s possible to get infected or clogged Montgomery glands.
An infected gland may be sore, look red and/or yellow and be larger than usual.
If you suspect an infection, see your doctor who will likely prescribe an antibacterial ointment.
Can You Pop Montgomery Glands?
It’s not a good idea to try squeezing montgomery glands in an attempt to get them unclogged.
If you’re thinking about popping your Montgomery glands, it’s possible that they may be infected. See #7.
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As we go through pregnancy and motherhood, we learn how even seemingly trivial bumps can play such important roles in helping us to nourish our babies. From lubricating to prevent irritation, to guiding our babies with their scent, these little bumps aid in successful breastfeeding.
Q: Does a faint line on a pregnancy test count?
A: If you get a faint line on a pregnancy test, it certainly does count. Especially if you used a test that can detect early levels of hCG. In order to be really sure, you might like to take another pregnancy test a day after missing your period.
Q: How do you conceive a boy?
A: There are several methods you can try to conceive a boy. One of them is to eat foods which contain potassium or sodium. According to Dr. Shettles, another important tip is to time intercourse right before ovulation. You should abstain or use condoms in the days prior to, as female sperm live longer.
Q: When will my baby talk?
A: I bet you’re quite excited about this major baby milestone to happen! Your baby may start talking his or her first words from 11 months of age. It’s fairly common for baby girls to be ahead with language development compared to boys.
Q: Can I drink hot tea when pregnant?
A: Yes you can drink hot tea when pregnant. But, you should opt for herbal teas such as ginger tea, nettle tea, and raspberry leaf tea. Teas that contain caffeine – such as green tea and black tea – should be avoided.
I have a 16 year old, 9 year old and twin 7 year olds. I have milky white and clear discharge from my Montgomery glands on both Areolas. My left breast has an inverted nipple and just one of the Montgomery glands secretes dark blue/grey sebum. I’ve looked up why it does this and have found it has to do with inflammation. Some sites suggest it’s caused by caffeine intake. I drink 1 cup of coffee every now and then but not everyday and never more than one small cup. Does anyone else have this happen?
Yes! Same here. I have a 6 year old i breastfeed and have the same blue tinged secretion. I have no clue what it is. This is the first time I’ve seen someone else mention it.
I don’t have kids and therefore haven’t breastfed. I noticed one of these glands looked inflamed. The secretion wasn’t really blue but more grey-ish. I thought it was just clogged or something ♀️
Not to be a troll or a butt head but it is incorrect correct grammar to say “the baby SHE” when the babies sex could be either male or female. UNLESS the baby in question is female but I didn’t get infer your article was about a specific female infant. Perhaps this is an intentional slight against males l or perhaps it is an innocent error. I felt compelled to point this out. I do like you posted the date of the article. Makes it very nice when one looks at this years from now and are able to see when it was written. So many people do not include dates on their articles.
No need to post this comment, I’m just trying to correct an error.
However the email address below is valid. i stand behind what I say and as I said I am not trying to be malicious. I am not very good at being tactful however. This is a fault not a choice.
Note: I am from the US so perhaps the rules of grammar differ in your country but I wouldn’t think so and will apologize if I’m wrong.
Hi
my daughter is 3 and to my suprise i still get the oily white substance coming out of my montgomery glands.it is very uncomfortable taking them out it even itches.should i be worried or is this normal?any possibility of the glands disappearing
Mine never disappeared after having my children and the discharge is normal it’s antimicribial and helps stop infection, it’s a natural lubricant for the nipple. montgomery glands are connected to the milk ducts and sweat glands.
Are there NY home remedies to help an infected and swollen Montgomery gland? I’ve had one 10 days now and it is pretty painful? Thanks!
*any home remedies?