XP Anyone have experience with/advice for clogged milk ducts?

AshasaurusRex · August 2011

I was busy doing chores around the house when all of a sudden I noticed the right side of my right breast was hard as a rock, lumpy, and HURT (totally snuck up on me, I hadn't noticed anything unusual beforehand). I quickly put a heating pad on and started massaging and pumping, it didn't get any better and I barely got any milk out. I've been nursing DD on that side like crazy (while not neglecting the other side), and have been alternating hot compress and massages for several hours now, and it seems to be getting worse not better! Any suggestions?! It HURTS!

jesslee123 · August 2011

Could it be Mastitis? I know when I had a clogged duct... the massaging and nursing helped it pretty quickly.

AshasaurusRex · August 2011

jesslee123:
Could it be Mastitis? I know when I had a clogged duct... the massaging and nursing helped it pretty quickly.

I guess it could possibly be, but I don't have any other symptoms of mastitis. I thought you were supposed to feel like you had the flu, and have a fever. Ugh, I hope it's not!

lbgriffith · August 2011

AshfieldMay:
jesslee123:
Could it be Mastitis? I know when I had a clogged duct... the massaging and nursing helped it pretty quickly.

I guess it could possibly be, but I don't have any other symptoms of mastitis. I thought you were supposed to feel like you had the flu, and have a fever. Ugh, I hope it's not!

I had mastitis but I only had a very low-grade fever. My main symptoms were a headache and the area with the lump was red. I also took lots of hot showers and baths when possible in addition to massaging and compresses.

amy259 · August 2011

I don't always get relief right away and it usually takes a day for me to feel better. They sneak up on me too, I usually notice redness in the area first. I would continue to massage and use moist heat (wet diaper and microwave for 30 secs. but it will be hot so use a thin towel or something between you and the diaper). I also take an advil which helps too. Feel better they suck!

AshasaurusRex · August 2011

Okay thanks. I have been extra exhausted lately, so much so that I've taken a couple pregnancy tests! Maybe that has something to do with it.

Lizbethie · August 2011

I took a hot bath... in addition to doing all of the other things that you have done.

Mustang Sally · August 2011

I've just been through this, doing all the same things. It seems to be better today, so it took almost 48 hours from noticing it to it going away. It freaks me out when it doesn't unclog after a day but it always does eventually.

Xles10 · August 2011

Use a hand pump. I just don't think an electric is a good at getting out clogs, and if it does work it takes a lot longer. While you're hand pumping gently massage the area with your free hand. For me, that usually resolves the clog. It might not work right away, but it's almost like something gives way and before I know it a lot of milk starts to come out.

BuffaloMomToBe · August 2011

I feel for you, it does hurt! When I had one I just pumped a lot and nursed a lot and for me it eventually went away...I'd say within a week to a week and a half. Good luck!

babubhatt · August 2011

heat does not work for me - but cold compresses do. so try that? also i echo some of the others about it taking anywhere from a few hours to more than a day to unclog itself. i find nursing usually helps better than pumping it out.