Constant clogs-help!

lijah

My one month old has been in the hospital and isn't able to nurse consistently so I have to pump a lot. Every time I exclusively pump for more than a day or two I get clogged ducts. Then when she is able to nurse again she gets rid of them for me in one or two feedings. This is so frustrating for me and I'm so tired of dealing with this. I'm starting to think about quitting bc the clogged ducts are so painful. Any advice on how to prevent this???

SnoopyLuv

massage towards the nipple while puping. your flanges are probably the wrong size, too.

OntheWater

Also grab a bottle of lecithin - that has always been helpful for me. 1 pill 3xs a day, then wean down from there.

MamaLlama14

I'm sorry your LO is in the hospital and I hope things are okay.  Remember that the baby's latch is more efficient than a pump, so that's why you get more relief from nursing than from pumping.  I got clogs ALL the time.  Massage the area of the clog while showering under hot water, toward the nipple.  I also made a homemade heating pack to tuck inside my nursing bra when pumping (and sometimes afterward)- put dry rice in a clean sock, spritz it with water and then microwave for 30-90 seconds.  It retains its heat much longer than a warm compress and can be sort of squished around like a massaging ball as you pump.

Also, be sure to let the pump go for at least 5 minutes after milk totally stops coming out to ensure you're empty.  I often had a second letdown and I didn't know it right away, so I was stopping as soon as milk stopped coming out and didn't realize there was more in there.

lijah

My milk never seems to completely stop coming out-I'm pumping sometimes over a half hr and I still see drops.

ella.mabel

I get clogged ducts sometimes and i find that putting heat on it right before either nursing or pumping helps to unclog it. I got one of those gel hot/cold packs that you can stick in the microwave and just stick it in my bra for a while.  Pumping typically doesn't unclog it, but the nursing usually does.  Also, make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids and aren't wearing tight or restrictive clothing.  A couple of times, i had success by leaning over while pumping so that the gravity can help.