Clogged milk ducts

TricksyPixie · July 2014

Both breasts have them.. It's painful and affecting my supply. I'm so stressed and upset. Nothing is resolving them. I'm feeding, pumping, applying heat, everything, and nothing helps. Doctor ruled out mastitis..but I have to get these drained. Does anyone else have helpful suggestions?

readyornot14 · July 2014

I had mastitis 3 times so far since I'm only pumping. Last time was the worst and I was bed-bound for 2 days. This is what I did to get rid of the lumps in my breast:
1. Massaging my breast under hot shower - I used the edge of a dove soap bar to massage from on top of the lump towards the nipple
2. Pumped extra 5 minutes after there was no milk coming out
3. Cold compress and pump some more

I did this 3 times a day for 2 days and was able to get rid of the mastitis without taking antibiotics. However I should say my supply has been reduced to half of what it was since.

Hope this helps and good luck.

jsnyder79 · July 2014

My OB said 10 min warm compress followed by 5 min cold compress. Also, pump or feed more often and massage. Warm compress or shower before you feed

MrsBHM · July 2014

Lay the baby on some pillows on the floor & then get on all fours to "dangle feed". You'll look like an idiot but it will help. I did it finally after trying everything else & finally got some relief.

lizok22 · July 2014

Ugh, this is my problem. Clogged ducts is the hard lumps that feel like Brest implants, right? I keep massaging but they are still there a week later. Will keep trying these tips.

dragonfly711 · July 2014

I had them last week.
Take a diaper and put hot water in it. Use it as heat on your boob. Massage boob. Nurse nurse nurse and pump if you are.
I did the diaper heat 2-3 times giving a rest for a bit inbetween. The clog was out within hours.

QT3.14 · July 2014

My lactation consultant said to alternate positions each nursing session (football, cradle, cross cradle, laying down, etc.) to prevent and/or relieve clogged ducts. Also warm showers and massage.

Unknown · July 2014

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TricksyPixie · July 2014

I tried the dangle feed thing, but she wouldn't even latch like that. I did the shower, too, and it may have fixed one, but not the worst one. The worst is very stubborn and budged a little in the shower, but not enough..

rainstar752 · July 2014

The only thing that worked for me was a very hot shower, as hot as you can stand. Then massaging the lump towards the nipple as hard as you can stand. It will hurt super bad at first but if you can work on it it should start to feel a little better. It sometimes took me like 20 minutes of standing in the shower to work it out.

I also tried using a vibrating toothbrush (or heck, just a vibrator would work) and that helped a little.

lynkat · July 2014

I had these really bad when my supply first came in and I was engorged. I did what a lot of other people said and massaged in a hot shower. I also "hand expressed" in the shower. Then I pumped and held it vertically while massaging the area with a warm compress for several minutes. After that I immediately nursed and continued massaging with the warm compress. This worked for me! They are painful, hang in there.
I also read to put the baby into a position where his/her nose is pointing towards the clogged duct. Not sure how effective that is but may be worth a try?

purtz · July 2014

I was right there with you last week. I kept trying all of these recommendations, plus the supplement lichitin available at the drugstore (to thin your milk). I didn't have a big 'release', but things did improve in time. Hang in there!

Hgual · July 2014

I had a pretty bad one a few days ago. I nursed a ton and pumped after then while resting I laid the heating pad over my chest. Miserable in this heat but it worked.

drby126 · July 2014

I had this with DS1 about once a month, but only on the left side. I did find the thermacare heat wraps for neck/wrist are just about the right size to fit around my boob. Along with a hot shower and pumping (high suction if your pump has that adjustment) helped too! Good luck and hang in there!

flojo973 · July 2014

Ditto what others have said but also try to drink more water. I chugged a ton of water along with the other suggestions and mine subsided. Hope you get some relief!

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