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MrsRiceARoni · March 2013

Clogged ducts. I'm pretty sure I have one. I first noticed it yesterday afternoon and it doesn't hurt much yet, it's just tender to the touch but I want to get rid of it before it becomes a problem. I've tried heat, and massaging it. I've also tried putting lo on it more and pumping it after she eats but so far it's still there. Any other ideas on how to get rid of it? Also do you know at what point I should call my doctor about it? Is it after a certain number of days/hours or is it more just when the symptoms become more severe?

Ladiebug710 · March 2013

Just keep doing what you are doing. Lots of gentle massage toward the nipple while feeding/pumping. Keep offering that side first. It can be uncomfortable but is OK as long as it isnt infected. If you get a fever or redness over the area def call your Dr. I hope it works itself out soon!

hopefulmom81 · March 2013

When you put the pump on your boob, do you aim it so the suction pulls directly at the lumpy area and not just straight on? That unclogged me the one time I had a clogged duct after I weaned.

Also a hot shower followed by a pump/nursing session might help.

Izabella22 · March 2013

Heat packs & hand expression worked for me when it got really bad. I think you only need to call a doc if you get feverish/chills or any other signs you have an infection/mastitis. I had a clogged duct nearly every month for hte first 9 months and never got to the point of mastitis.

JuddandJessica · March 2013

Massage, massage, massage. I took hot showers and massaged so deeply that it almost hurt. That along with a lot of nursing and pumping solved mine.

Auki13 · March 2013

You can also try nursing in different positions... The most effective to help clogged ducts is on your hands and knees while the baby is under you. Yes, it looks and feels really strange but it does work. As for calling your doctor, I would do it if it becomes inflamed or you get a fever (as a PP mentioned).

erinlovesdavid · March 2013

Ditto heat packs and massage. I stuffed my bra with a rice sock that I nuked in the microwave any time it cooled down.

If none of the suggestions work, you could also try lecithin. It helps make the milk more viscous and less prone to clog.

MrsRiceARoni · March 2013

Thanks ladies, I tried putting her in a different position and she got it out! I feel so much better now. Smile

Added: It's still there it's just smaller and it moved... hopefully a few more feedings and it'll be gone completely.

butterflynola · March 2013

I nursed my ds for almost 17m and in that time I encountered about 85 plugged ducts, no joke! The first 6m were rough for us

What worked for me was to get in a super hot shower and let the water run right on the spot while massaging the spot in a downward direction towards the nipple and then nurse immediately after. If that wouldn't get it out I would hold a heating pad on it until it was time for another nursing session. You don't want it to carry on for more than a day or so as it can turn into mastitis much worse! GL!

adoxyinherear · March 2013

Mine have always felt a little bruised, that kind of dull soreness, and there was a hard lumpy area (sometimes a really big area). The only thing that's helped me was to do a dangle feeding, with DD's chin pointing in the direction of the clogged duct. I just laid her on the floor and positioned myself over her. Worked like a charm! GL! Clogged ducts are miserable

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