how do i deal with a clogged milk duct?

April - posted on 02/27/2010

lecithin. it an over the counter herb. it is the only thing that worked. advice from the previous posters did not.

Lilah - posted on 02/26/2010

All of the advice is 100% correct so the only thing that I want to add that I didn't see is to change baby's nursing position. I had several plugged ducts early on when my preemie was learning to nurse. Switching him from the traditional position to the football hold usually did the trick after a couple of feedings. Be patient. I know very well how painful these can be.

Emily - posted on 02/26/2010

Go to your dr and get some medication called don-peri-don. It is not spelled that way but it sounds like that. It may help get your millk flowing better if supply is an issue. I found it increased mine quite a bit.
Hot shower and massage is the best for clogs. I found it helps me to do this everyday to ensure preventing clogs and infection.

Angie - posted on 02/26/2010

I haven't had this particular problem, but in addition to what the other ladies are saying in their posts, my doctor recommended that in the event that I get a blocked duct, I could use a comb to stroke gently over the affected breast while in the shower - soap the breast skin (not the nipple), and gently comb from outside toward the nipple. Warm compresses (like a warm washcloth) could also help. Be firm but gentle (breast tissue bruises easily if you massage it too vigorously)!! My doctor also said never to do cold compresses (because this constricts the blood flow). Ensuring that the affected breast is completely emptied is also important. Keep a close eye for developing into mastitis (see your health practitioner if you're worried). Lucky me for not having to do this, but it might be worth a try!. Good luck!
PS: this website is usually quite helpful: www.kellymom.com . I did a quick search and it has some nice ideas about distinguishing blocked ducts from mastitis and how to treat and prevent (although it mentions using a cold compress, which my doctor had advised me specifically not to. Maybe check with your doctor on this one)
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/...

Emma - posted on 02/26/2010

Before you nurse, put a warm wash cloth on the area infected. Then as your son is nursing, gentle massage the clogged duct from the outside in.



The warmth of the washcloth will help loosen up the clog and then by you massaging the area will help push the milk through and clean the clog out. You can use the warm wash cloth anytime to help with any pain and to hand pump a little out and that way you are keeping the duct open.

Shaina - posted on 02/26/2010

What worked for me was taking a hot shower (or bath) and letting the water hit your chest. If the water pressure is too painful let a hot washcloth rest on them in the shower and try to manually express there. and nurse as much as you can. I know it gets frustrating but it is only temporary. If you can get through these first few weeks its WELL worth it. Have you looked into joining a local La Leche League International group? they are a wealth of information and support. I dont know what I would have done without them. I hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!