Clogged ducts across half my breast?

WhitElizabeth

Help, please!  I think I have a clogged duct, except it feels that way across half of my entire breast.  It's hard and painful. I got a new bra that has an underwire so maybe that caused it.  I am on a business trip (first time away from home) so that' s making it harder too.  I'm pumping every few hours and massaging my breast.  What else can I do?  Do clogged ducts typically hurt in such a large area?  Thank you!

manic mama

I can't speak to how large of an area, but I'll tell you what I did when I got two at one time... which sucked.

Warm compresses

"combing" the area (helps get things moving)

soy lecithin (breaks up fat. It's the fat in the milk that's gotten clogged up. LC also said to eat a lower fat diet. I don't know about that )

And then, as you've already started, massage and pumping.

She also warned me that when the clog breaks up the milk would be stringy. I didn't notice that but I thought I'd let you know so you don't panic.

GL!

Sally J

Massage and pump extra time if you can.  Check your nipples for blebs (skin covering the outlet on the nipple where the milk flows).  In the shower take the back of a comb and soap up your boob, then 'comb' the area where the clog is.

Yes it's possible for it to be covering half your breast...I had several like this.  I still can't wear underwire bras (still BF'ing) because they give me clogged ducts.

na24

I've had that, too.  It sucks when it's such a large area b/c then the milk flow is lessened.

Do the things you're doing and also try ibuprofen to get the swelling down.  Keep massaging and pumping.   

Osco13

All of the above...

PLUS...if you are desperate..... you can try to suck it out yourself. When I was away from my DS and husband i had to do this and it always worked like a charm. ( once you get over the fact that you are doing it)