plugged duct

[Deleted User]

I know this probably gets talked about a lot but I am in some serious need of encouragement. I have a plugged duct, maybe 2 and I feel like my boob is going to fall off! It just started getting really painful today so I am trying warm compress before and massage while pumping at work. I have taken tomorrow off to rest and nurse, any other tips?

Also, can I hear from ladies that got past this? How long did it take? What finally made it go away? Just let me know it will be over !!!!

vvvvvfee

definitely resting and nursing as much as possible, like you said. it's a great idea to take the day off. warm compresses or a hot bath, followed by nursing. drink lots of fluids. you can also try taking lecithin supplements, supposedly it helps the fat globules in the milk break down into smaller pieces. you can try dangle-feeding your LO. another weird thing is to use an electric toothbrush on the area of the clog, which again supposedly helps break it up. if it doesn't improve in the next day or so, and you start getting an area of redness on your breast, i would see your care provider to see if you need antibiotics.

you have my sympathy- blocked ducts are the worst!

CLLDLL

All of what PP said.  Also take ibuprophen for pain relief.  It also helps reduce any swelling.  

My worst clog took three days to clear.  I'm not sure what finally cleared it, but I did lots of heat, massage, dangle feeding and drank a ton of water.  

Hope you feel better soon! 

seawater

I don't have anything to add except hang in there!  I just got over my first clogged duct and it was terrible for about 2 days.  As others have said: lots of fluid, lots of heat.  For me, it was easier to pump for 5 min and then nurse because the pain was just too bad to nurse during the initial let down.  Also, if you get a high temp or flu-like symptoms make sure you see your doctor right away: clogged ducts can easily turn into mastitis.  Hope it passes quickly for you!  

Cupcakes339

I had a terrible recurring clog that kept coming back every week for a month, I got to know that duct very well, so I feel your pain and hang in there. I tried all those things PPs said. In addition, i also tried this recommended by someone on this forum. In addition to hot compress, try dipping your breast in hot/warm cup of your water. Like a mini hot bath. I did this just before pumping. I thought it heated up evenly and was soothing afterwards. You have to start warm because nipple can be more sensitive and change water up more gradually. Hope it will get better soon!

[Deleted User]

Thank you everyone for your support, the clog cleared fairly quickly but it was a nightmare. So painful! The best thing I found was to get a diaper that LO had outgrown and fill it with very warm (almost hot) water. It was the best heating pad...already had a cup shape and really held the warmth for a long time, I think it really helped get things going again. Also, so no one thinks I am trying to cop credit, I totally got that off kellymom.com, just wanted to throw it out there that it really worked for me.

acbfreire

I had a lot of them until I found a more supportive bra. Increase your vit C intake. Kellymom.com has great resources!

lindseyb624

Lurker coming out.  Luckily I've had a pretty easy go at breastfeeding and haven't been around much lately, but I'm in your boat now.  My LO just started sleeping through the night again and I now find myself with a clogged duct.  I had a minor one or two early on, but this seems like a bigger issue.  I'm not in a ton of pain but there is so much pressure and a large hard lump.  I work all day so I have to pump and it's just not cutting it for me.  My supply seems to be down because of it too.  I don't have any advice but know you're not alone.  I'm glad you posted because I'm going to try all of these suggestions tonight!  Glad you're feeling better!