Clogged duct/ready to quit

Juliebird8307

I also posted this on the breastfeeding board.

It's been one problem after another while nursing my 4.5 month old. Now, I have what I honk is a clogged duct. The bottom half of my breast is hard and my nipple hurts so bad. I've been pumping a ton and using a warm compress. I have two questions: does have advice on how to get rid of these quickly? I don't think there is anything else that I can do. Also, I started pumping out milk with blood in it. Could that mean the the clog is almost out?

mbilbrey00

Depending on how much blood is in your milk, the best thing to do is nurse. Your baby is more efficient at emptying your breast than any pump is. Good luck, I know your pain.

kristyn831

When I had mastitis, I would nurse and then pump after to make sure he was emptying the breast. Breastfeeding is definitely a labor of love! Good luck!

Juliebird8307

mbilbrey00 said:

Depending on how much blood is in your milk, the best thing to do is nurse. Your baby is more efficient at emptying your breast than any pump is. Good luck, I know your pain.

Well, the problem is, DD has not been the best at nursing. I've had to start giving pumped bottles at night because she rarely empties my breasts. I tried to BF a little bit ago, and all she did was sick hard and pull away. I gave up after a few minutes. I've seen a LC and she was no help at all. She watched DD pull off and resist and couldn't help me. I'm starting to think my BFing is coming to an end. I pretty much have one good week and then something like this happens. It's really been a struggle. It's even harder because I BF DD1 for 13 months with not problems.

kbrown2385

I always took a hot shower, letting the water fall on my breasts. I would massage after a few minutes of that, then get out and pump.

cwstebbins

This might be weird, but I usually completely fill a clean diaper with hot water and stick it under the pumping bra while I pump whenever this happens, and then rub the breast with my palms. It hurts, but it works (I use the diaper because I've found it stays hotter longer). 

I've never had blood in my milk, though. A good friend of mine did, and her breastfeeding adventure came to an end right around 6 months. 

Just remember, what's best is what works for you and baby!

Juliebird8307

Did you ladies have a horribly sore nipple too? Every time I pump or BR, it just about brigs me to tears.

cwstebbins said:

This might be weird, but I usually completely fill a clean diaper with hot water and stick it under the pumping bra while I pump whenever this happens, and then rub the breast with my palms. It hurts, but it works (I use the diaper because I've found it stays hotter longer). 

I've never had blood in my milk, though. A good friend of mine did, and her breastfeeding adventure came to an end right around 6 months. 

Just remember, what's best is what works for you and baby!

Thank you! I did read about the diaper trick, but haven't tried it yet.

Juliebird8307

I ended up going to the doctor today and I actually have mastitis

Naudz

Sorry you had those issues....My mom taught me to comb my boobs under hot running water. My LO does the same thing in which she does not fully empty my boobs at times so I frequently use a comb and gently rub it along my boobs while I'm in the shower and that helps a lot. Good luck Mamma, keep up the great work.

gmk1784

Naudz said:

Sorry you had those issues....My mom taught me to comb my boobs under hot running water. My LO does the same thing in which she does not fully empty my boobs at times so I frequently use a comb and gently rub it along my boobs while I'm in the shower and that helps a lot. Good luck Mamma, keep up the great work.

Comb like with a hair comb? I seem to get a lot of clogs so I'll have to try this!

rowdymama

I've been hit by clog ducts quite a few times as well. Heat and massage really do help when pumping while my son is at daycare. If you are able to nurse, point your baby's chin to the area that is sore. He was able to resolve my clogged duct in two feedings after i found out this tip!

corndogrobot

This sounds totally weird but clogs hurt and I'll try anything. Use a heat pack and pump while on all fours. I think it was @ashleytiff who suggested it once. Use gravity if the baby can't nurse it out!!

ashleytiff

@corndogrobot yep! I had a heating pad and I massaged it while pumping. Wasn't on all fours though... But nursing works so much better, at least for me.

MouseMama817

Lurking from A15 here. I just wanted to add that I got mastitis a few weeks PP and it was such a bitch! I'm sorry you're going through that. Afterwards I had chronic clogged ducts and I found 2 things that worked for me consistently: 

1. Lecithin. Take it every day. It's supposed to keep your ducts "slippery" and help avoid a clog.

2. If you do get a clog, fill a bowl w/ warm water and epsom salts, then soak your breast in it while massaging the clog in the direction of your nipple. I found it was easiest/fastest for me to do this while kneeling over the bowl on the floor (gravity?) It'll take a minute to find a comfortable position but once you do, the relief is so worth it. Good luck, I hope this works for you!

As a side note, I did have to switch to EPing as my little girl just couldn't stay latched and was therefore causing a lot of my clogs. If you decide to go this way, make sure you never miss a pumping session. EPing takes more work as far as supply goes so missing sessions can not only result in clogged ducts, but also contribute to your supply dropping.