Clogged milk duct. Ouch

YaraC

This is my first one and it is ouchie. Has anyone had a clogged duct and not had it lead to mastitis? What worked for you? I am massaging it (as best I can at work without being too inappropriate), pumping to empty and using a warm compress.

My sister has horrible, chronic mastitis and I am scared of getting it. 

jarbatz

Oh no Laura!  I'm so sorry.  I don't have any advice for you hope it clears up soon!

stever

What worked for me was using the affected side well beyond when I thought I'd drained it. That and nice warm showers.

Would usually clear up in a day or so.

shelby9201

Ouch!!  I had this flare up last Friday - my right breast was like a football!  I massaged, used a warm compress/hot shower, pumped to beyond empty, and then used cold packs after pumping.  It took about 3 days to return to normal.  I totally feel for you!!!

Piranha54

I had one - ouch is right.  In addition to what you're already doing, my LC recommended soy lecithin 1200 mg three times a day, crushed cold green cabbage on the site of the clog (mash a small section in your hand and just stick in on your boobie in your bra) and using a rolling massage (like a round travel sized shampoo bottle that you roll with some pressure from the top of your breast over the clog towards the nipple).  GL!

Daisiesinmygarden

Oh yeah, I had a mofo of one!

I took lots of warm baths and massaged the ouchie spot in the tub and laid a warm wet washcloth over it... bring a book and a drink, it'll be a while. I also nursed on that side first, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. As she nursed, I massaged from back to front in a stroking motion (like I was moving the milk forward. I also took Ibuprofin for swelling and pain.

It didn't develop into mastitis. It took a few days to clear up totally.

YaraC

Thanks all. I think some of it dislodge while I was massaging it and pumping. It feels a little better now. I'm trying to nurse heavily on that side and hope the rest of it clears up soon.