Clogged ducts from pumping

Slb22 · August 2014

Hi all. I am hoping you can help with a clogged duct issue. I have been back at work pumping for four weeks now. The first two weeks were okay. I did get clogged ducts the first weekend, the second weekend I got mastitis. Ever since then it seems like I get clogged ducts all the time (pretty much every day, sometimes every other day). Always in a different spot. I feel like I am going to lose my mind. Some are very painful and last two day, others just last until I nurse LO. My supply has been down since the mastitis and I have been unsuccessful to get it back up. I am now pumping 4 times to get enough for three bottles. I am pumping 15 minutes, then resting for 3minutes, then pumping for another 10 just so I can get the ounces I need. I thought clogs happen because the breast doesn't empty, but I pump for so long I can't imagine doing anymore. Anyone have any tips? FWIW I use a hands free bra while pumping. I loosened it the other day because maybe it was too tight but nothing changed. TIA

Slb22 · August 2014

Thanks for the response! I try to massage while pumping but I have pretty small breasts and can't really do it effectively without breaking the suction. I changed the membranes last week in hopes that would work. I haven't figured out a good way to heat prior to pumping at work. I will look into the supplement you mentioned. I have not explored that yet. Thanks again!

purtz · August 2014

@Slb22‌ I have been experiencing pretty much the same thing for the last 4 weeks. I went into the drs again yesterday for the third time and they pretty much told me to live with it or wean. Feeling sad to give up BF already, but it's hard to live like this! Planning a slow transition so DS can adjust to bottle and formula. GL to you!

Slb22 · August 2014

@jfresh - thanks for the tips. I will try to find some videos to see if it works. I don't have an office. They have a private room set aside for me. I am already taking so long to pump 3 times a day that I was sort of avoiding the heat before pumping, but I may need to try it.
@purtz It is definitely tough to live like this. I am glad someone else agrees with that. It is so uncomfortable or painful all the time. I was hoping to not have to wean so soon, or figure out a combo feed, but not sure that will really help with the clogs. Good luck to you as well!

jbelle · August 2014

I developed a clogged duct at work "MacGyver-ed" a warm compress using a dry paper towel, small plastic bag, and a wet paper towel inside my bra (in that order). I actually managed to stay dry and it did relieve the clog.

I continued to use this technique for a couple days before each pump because I was concerned about another developing; I found having a cup of hot/warm water at my desk with me (I pump in my office) allowed me to rejuvenate or replace the wet paper towel a few times before I pumped. I also wear a hands-free bra, but found it easier to put the compress in my regular bra… however, it would probably be better to get your hands-free bra wet if you're taking that off!

Slb22 · August 2014

thanks for the tip! I will try that

basil2 · August 2014

@purtz‌ have you seen a lactation consultant? ( they may have more ideas than the dr)
I never had trouble pumping at work, but when I traveled for 3 days and pumped exclusively I got terrible plugged ducts. You might think about combo feeding and eliminating the pump instead of weaning altogether.

Slb22 · August 2014

@basil2‌ how would the combo feed work? Only nurse when we are together then formula all other times?

paige0328 · August 2014

Have you tried changing the size of the flanges on the pump? If they are too small (or too large), the breast won't empty properly. I used to pump and still feel full after a long session... The shield was too small. A bigger one made a WORLD of a difference!

purtz · August 2014

I have an appt with a LC on Monday. Tell me more about combo feeding. Is this breast feeding and offering formula to supplement?

blondie10m · August 2014

Lansinoh makes these great therapearls heating pads for pumping and plugged ducts. You microwave them and can snap the cover around the pump flange. I wear them in my bra as well before I nurse when I have a plugged duct.

mommatotwo2 · August 2014

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I agree with the others, heat, compressions massage. I even used to lean forward and give em a good shake half way through. I also found it easiest to pump with one hand, 1 breast at a time and massage with the other, so I didn't break suction. I would caution against dropping pumps all together as pp suggested, its not always possible to maintain supply that way, this early on. Bed of luck to you .

mommatotwo2 · August 2014

purtz said:
I have an appt with a LC on Monday. Tell me more about combo feeding. Is this breast feeding and offering formula to supplement?

Combo feeding is feeding your baby with breastmilk and formula. In interest of maintaining a good supply of breastmilk, this should only be done in instances where you're already nursing on demand when together and pumping every 2 to 3 hours when apart. If you're still not making enough milk to feed baby and have tried the usual methods of trying to boost supply, then formula can be given if needed.

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