I have a plugged duct - what got it flowing again for you?

[Anonymous]

Fever's gone though I still have a headache. Noticed it on way home from work last night. Have been putting hot compresses on it, massaging, pumping every hour though little if any milk. I've heard about the cabbage leaves and will get them later today. Just want to find out what worked for you and how long it took to go away, thanks.

[Anonymous]

So sorry you are going through this.

What I used to do (nursed 2 kids for 13+ months each, had plugs and mastitis with each kid, ugh):
--lots of hot compresses (20 minutes on, 5-10 minutes off), focusing on the area of redness (if any) or the general area where the blockage might be (if you know).
--Lots of firm kneading in the trouble area, not a rub so much as rolling the trouble area between your thumb and fingers in a kneading motion to loosen and break-up the plug
--Keep pumping. If you have a bag plug (or multiple plugs) it might take several hours to the better part of a day to get things cleared up. I recall one particular time when I did all the aforementioned tactics for about 3-4 hours, with no results, then suddenly, while pumping, I saw these white thready bits coming out--they were the milk solids plugging the ducts, and then a whole bunch of milk. Not saying you'll see something so graphic, just mentioned to give you a sense of what you might be working with (and why it takes so long).
--I never did cabbage leaves as I found them really awkward and they never stayed warm enough for very long. And they smelled bad. My "homemade" hot compress was a washcloth, a basin of very hot (not boiling) water, and a earthenware coffee mug. I would dip the mug in the hot water, wrap in the warm, damp washcloth, and apply. Reheat by dipping back into the hot water, always using the washcloth as a buffer and making sure the mug doesn't have hot water in it (obvious--so you don't scald yourself).

Many props to you for sticking with nursing despite the many hassles!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So sorry you are going through this.

What I used to do (nursed 2 kids for 13+ months each, had plugs and mastitis with each kid, ugh):
--lots of hot compresses (20 minutes on, 5-10 minutes off), focusing on the area of redness (if any) or the general area where the blockage might be (if you know).
--Lots of firm kneading in the trouble area, not a rub so much as rolling the trouble area between your thumb and fingers in a kneading motion to loosen and break-up the plug
--Keep pumping. If you have a bag plug (or multiple plugs) it might take several hours to the better part of a day to get things cleared up. I recall one particular time when I did all the aforementioned tactics for about 3-4 hours, with no results, then suddenly, while pumping, I saw these white thready bits coming out--they were the milk solids plugging the ducts, and then a whole bunch of milk. Not saying you'll see something so graphic, just mentioned to give you a sense of what you might be working with (and why it takes so long).
--I never did cabbage leaves as I found them really awkward and they never stayed warm enough for very long. And they smelled bad. My "homemade" hot compress was a washcloth, a basin of very hot (not boiling) water, and a earthenware coffee mug. I would dip the mug in the hot water, wrap in the warm, damp washcloth, and apply. Reheat by dipping back into the hot water, always using the washcloth as a buffer and making sure the mug doesn't have hot water in it (obvious--so you don't scald yourself).

Many props to you for sticking with nursing despite the many hassles!

Forgot to mention: when you knead the trouble spot, make sure you are doing so in a way that pushes the plug outwards (towards the nipple) so it can come out. In addition to the kneading method mentioned above, you can also open your hand and use the tips of your fingers for pushing strokes toward the nipple.

[Anonymous]

Did you check for a clogged duct? I constantly got clogged ducts and this is what I did. I would examine my nipple very carefully in bright light and inevitably, I would find a white 'pimple' on my nipple. Using a dullish, sterilized pin, I would very carefully pick out the clog (it doesn't hurt, honestly. Just be careful and make sure both the pin and your hands are super clean.) Milk would shoot out all over the bathroom mirror and I would instantly feel better, although the area would be sore for a few days.

Have DC nurse way more often - DC will get the clog out before the pump will. Also, have DC nurse in different positions- get on all fours and have DC nurse from below, football hold, side by side, etc. Try to rotate DC's nose around your breast like hands on a clock.

The clog will come out, I promise. This technique has worked for tons of nursing moms I know.

[Anonymous]

Thanks SO MUCH!

[Anonymous]

What usually worked for me was: (i) taking a hot shower; (ii) putting DD on the boob; and (iii) massaging the area while nursing.

If things don't improve, call the doctor. Mastitis (sp?) is no fun!

[Anonymous]

Massage, massage and more massage along with hot showers and lots of nursing. I think my last plug my husband got out. He massaged and rubbed it much harder than I would do it to myself. Even though it hurt like h@@l I let him do it and it felt better shortly there after. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Tons of hot showers.

[Anonymous]

By the way, if you have a fever, I agree that it may be mastitis rather than a clogged duct.

[Anonymous]

How old is your baby?

You've got a lot of good advice here. What worked for me is positioning the baby so that the chin is towards the area where plug is. Gently massage the area, while baby is nursing. And as a preventative measure, change baby's position once in awhile.

And hot showers and compresses.

[Anonymous]

What worked best for me was nursing or pumping with the hot compress on. I would also leave the heat on for 8-hour stretches (using one of those instant-heat packs for muscle aches--I think the big brand is ThermaCare, though I always used the CVS brand).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fever's gone though I still have a headache. Noticed it on way home from work last night. Have been putting hot compresses on it, massaging, pumping every hour though little if any milk. I've heard about the cabbage leaves and will get them later today. Just want to find out what worked for you and how long it took to go away, thanks.

Be careful! Cabbage leaves will dry up your supply so watch out.

get your husband/baby to suck out the block duct. Sometimes the pump works, but an actual sucking motion is really the best.

Good luck. I know it really really really sucks so hang in there.

[Anonymous]

Best advice I got at a LLL mtg-use a vibrator on the plugged duct-it loosens and releases better than anything else! Obviously I second the nursing, warm shower, lots of water, but try the vibrator, it's a multi purpose piece!!!

[Anonymous]

OP- I am the PP of the pin idea. I totally forgot to mention taking Lecithin! I was plagued with clogged ducts with DC #1, inasmuch that it would affect my milk supply (I always did manage to get them out with a pin though.) I worked with a lactation consultant who had me add Lecithin supplements to my diet. Lecithin is a fatty acid that makes the milk more "slippery" and therefore, less prone to clogging. If you are uncomfortable about taking supplements, add foods to your diet that are naturally rich in Lecithin- beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower, and oranges. Worked wonders for me - hope it helps you too!