Apply heat over the clog, massage the area of the breast where the clog is, towards the nipple. Pump and/or nurse frequently, preferably nurse, babies do a MUCH better job at getting these out. Try nursing LO immediately after taking a really HOT shower, as hot as you can stand it, with the water beating on your breast... for me it works every time.
Doh! I read "Clogged milk duct- how to unclog?" not "how long"... sorry for the unsolicited advice. For me usually takes anywhere from a couple hours to 12 hrs or so.
12 hours is right. Get the LO on the boob and it really does help. I will warn you though, you supply from that boob will be messed up for a few days don't worry though it sorts itself out.
Saw your post on 6-12. Did you actually see an LC or just talk to one over the phone? If you have a stubborn clog, it might also be a milk blister/bleb. I had a clog for 18 hours once...and just when I was about to go absolutely crazy, I realized I had a bleb. Once I cleared that up, I had sweet relief. If you squeeze your nipple to get milk out, do you notice a little white bubble on your nipple (like milk that's trapped under skin)?
Re: Clogged milk duct--how long to unclog?? nft