Clogged Ducts

I'm no expert, as I wasn't able to BF myself, but I did do a lot of research on it before I had my daughter. Sounds like you still have a plugged duct, which can sometimes lead to mastitis, so it's good to go ahead and try to get it unclogged. Here's a good site with some things you can do to help the milk move again:
http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/mastitis.asp

Also:
Blocked ducts will almost always resolve spontaneously within 24 to 48 hours after onset, even without any treatment at all. During the time the block is present, the baby may be fussy when nursing on that side, as milk flow may be slower than usual, probably due to pressure causing collapse of other ducts. Blocked ducts can be made to resolve more quickly by:

* Continuing breastfeeding on the affected side.
* Draining the affected area better. One way of doing this is to position the baby so his chin “points” to the area of hardness. Thus if the blocked duct is in the outside, lower area of your breast (about 4 o’clock), the football hold would be best. Another way of achieving better draining of the breast is using breast compression while the baby is feeding, getting your hand around the blocked duct and using steady pressure as the baby sucks.
* Applying heat to the affected area (with a heating pad or hot water bottle, but be careful not to injure your skin by using too much heat for too long a period of time).

Good luck!

Put a hot compress on it to help milk production. Feed on the worst one first. When you are done nursing, pump. Then put a cold compress on it (to stop milk production) The nursing and pumping helps to try to get the plug out. I had to use the breat shield for awhile. Make sure you are not lying on your tummy. Putting pressure on them can clog them. Also, wear a bra with really good support. One more thing to try and you may have to get in weird positions is to make sure when the baby feeds, face their chin toward the clog. This makes the baby suck from the clogged duct. I've had 2 breast infections and found them hard to get rid of, but these tips helped best. Good luck!

If you start feeling like you have the flu, see the doctor, because it has probably turned into an infection.

When I get plugged ducts, I take a very hot shower, massage it and express what i can out and then nurse, nurse, nurse. If it is really bad I would suggest filling an old sock with rice and heating it up in the microwave and then placing it on the sore and nurse, nurse, nurse. You can also contact LLL for more info. You need to get rid of these asap or you can get mastitus which is absolutely terrible.
Good luck!

In addition to below...while in a hot shower, massage the area (in a motion that massages towards the nipple) with one hand while supporting the breast with the other.
Good luck.
M.

Hi K.,

This is kind of difficult to do, but it's the only thing that I have found that relieves the clogged duct. Run warm water into a bowl large enough to emerse your breast in and mix in some epsom salt. Soak your breast in it for 5 to 10 minutes and immediately nurse afterwards. Both times that I have had to do it, it cleared the clogged duct immediately. My breast was still sore for a couple of days afterwards, but at least it wasn't clogged anymore.

i had repeated clogged ducts as well...a lady from my mom's group suggested lying with the baby on the bed, with the baby upside down (if you can imagine) - the idea is for the baby's lower lip to be pointed toward the plugged part and get him/her to clear the duct by using more suction than a pump would ever get - it worked really fast within one feeding. also, try using a wide tooth comb in a hot shower to massage it toward the nipple. good luck!

Well, I can relate to the "knots", when I was breastfeeding and pumping. I used a breast shield, pads to help with breastfeeding. I had an infection, the mastitis (sp?) and got sick, got a fever was really in a lot of pain with my breast. I went to the emergency room, as at the time my Dr.'s office was closed. I would recommend seeing your OB/Gyn about it and getting some antibiotics to help. That's what I did and it cleared up after the antibiotics and putting ice on it and I rested and that did wonders for me. Good luck and hope you feel better, C.

I have had clogged ducts too--but I didn't know it could get that big (the knot) so I agree with Lisa T--go take a hot shower and massage. The heat might help loosen it up and massaging should get it flowing. While in the shower--try expressing your milk with your hand too. Good Luck!