Plugged Duct Hell!!!!

candyreesecup

Hi, ladies! 

I haven't been bumping much since I introduced myself HERE, but I just go back to work, so I have more time on getting on the Internet now!

BF has been so much challenge for me and I gave up nursing a long time ago baby couldn't latch for more than 5 seconds, so I have been exclusively pumping since the beginning. 

I get plugged ducts all the time (like every 3 days) and they hurt so much.  I do take hot shower, massage, pump frequently, etc, but it keeps coming back!  I even started taking a supplement called Lecithin which is supposed to help thin out the thickness of milk. 

Does anyone suffer from plugged ducts?  Do you have any other recommendation how to prevent? Do you get less plugged ducts as time goes??  I hate it, ugh!!!

TJ1979

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.  I think there are a couple of girls on here who have had recurrent ones, maybe they will have some insight for you.  Sounds like you are doing all the right things.  GL and I hope you figure something out.

Robeano

Sorry no advice, just wanted to offer a sympathy hug!

pb_bride

I'm sorry your having such a hard time with plugged ducts!  I developed recurrent plugged ducts around 3.5 months pp and it was awful.  There wasn't a week that went by without one or 2 episodes.  It got so bad that I even made an appt at the Breast Center at my hospital (they weren't helpful though).  I took Lecithin but unfortunately it didn't help me.  My main issue though, was that I have persistent milk blisters (clogged pores) on my nipples that were causing the recurrent plugs.  

Unfortunately, one thing that really helped me was nurse M more frequently, which isn't possible for you.  I have never been able to resolve a plug by pumping.  Also, because my problem was caused by the blisters, I (sorry TMI) scrap off the skin that grows over the pores every morning when I'm in the shower.  Once I started doing these 2 things, it gradually better and I, knock on wood, haven't had one in 2 weeks now.

GL! 

Mrs.AmyDylan

I haven't had plugged/blocked duct troubles, but did a bit of reading when I was playing Internet doctor for ducky earlier this week. 

Sounds like you have tried the obvious stuff, but you might skim this article.  https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/

PB is on target with the nursing baby on breast. You mentioned latch problems, but have you considered nursing your LO on breast or with a nipple shield to try to empty it better? Your baby is older and might be able to latch better. The nipple shield is almost like a bottle nipple on the breast.  just a thought...

Good luck! 

candyreesecup

Mrs.AmyDylan:

I haven't had plugged/blocked duct troubles, but did a bit of reading when I was playing Internet doctor for ducky earlier this week. 

Sounds like you have tried the obvious stuff, but you might skim this article.  https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/

PB is on target with the nursing baby on breast. You mentioned latch problems, but have you considered nursing your LO on breast or with a nipple shield to try to empty it better? Your baby is older and might be able to latch better. The nipple shield is almost like a bottle nipple on the breast.  just a thought...

Good luck! 

I did read the Kellymom site before and I am so afraid PD might turn into Mastitis!!!  As for a nipple shield, I tried it in the beginning and my baby screamed when I tried...but I will give a shot.  Thanx for looking into this!!!

candyreesecup

Thanx for your comments, ladies!

I feel like I am obsessed with pumping and always watching clock to see "is it time yet?", but I hope I can a way to get rid of this easily. 

Happy Friday!