I've had clogged milk ducts in both my breasts for a month now. I talked to my doctor about them at my six week appointment and since then I have been trying everything to get them out. Warm compresses, pumping, nursing, and pointing her chin toward the clog (which is really difficult because they're on the top/ towards my armpit). The problem is they're just not coming out, and they are no longer just a pea sized bump.. They seem to have taken over my breasts and it feels as if there are several clogs on each side. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not sure if they're infected ( if they are, I don't have any symptoms ). Is it possible to have and infection with no symptoms? And they don't really hurt much except when my breasts are really full (like in the morning). Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
***Abby is almost three months. She likes to nurse ALOT. She uses me as her pacifier really. I noticed the clogs after I got a nursing bra. It wasn't the right size and it had underwire. I finally got a new one that fits great and has no underwire.**
I had the same exact thing with my son. I just kept nursing, applying moist heat, taking baths and drinking lots of water. eventually they went away. I had lumps in my breasts for a couple years after I finished nursing my 4th child. Good luck and congrats!
Yikes! Welcome to my life. I get clogged frequently and large parts of the breast will feel hard and ache like its bruised. The BEST thing I have found is to take a hot hot shower and massage starting at the top - by the ribs and then work down. Do this for 5-10 minutes. Then, get out and nurse the baby. Generally after 1-3 nursings, it gets better.
I've noticed I get clogged 1)If i wear a too tight nursing tank or bra 2)If I go too long between nursings.
If they ARE infected, you will know. You will ache, get a fever, and have a hot red v shaped mark on your breast. If you do not clear the clog, they will eventually become infected.
I would try to warm compress and massage before she nurses, even possibly hand expressing some. Hand expressing worked wonders for me, it just takes a little getting used to. I got one or two block with my son, but with my daughter (second child) it seemed like I was getting blocked every other month. Ditto on what the other mom said about it feeling like the flu. I would get really drained and then flu like symptoms. I couldn't wear a bra till about 6 months with my daughter and then only when I went out in public, but I had to take it off as soon as I got home (sometimes even in the car!) and I got fitted and everything! If you're worried about infection, trying cutting up some fresh garlic and swallowing it. It is a natural antibiotic without the side effect of yeast infections. On the down size, it does give you (and your baby) gas. Hope this helps. Just keep nursing, it's well worth it!!!
Cabbage leaves will help but dont use them for long periods of time becuase they can decrease your milk production. Google them and you will find more info.
Also, if you can stand to touch them, get in the shower and try to hand express, press above the hard spot. It is not a comfortable thing but it will help in the long run.
((((HUGS)))))) I know it's painful, but you are doing a great job keep it up mommy!!!
When I get clogged ducts, they're pretty painful. One thing that works for me, in addition to the other things you mentioned, is taking soy lecithin supplements. You can buy them OTC at natural food stores. I typically get them when my breasts have been constricted for a long period of time, like if I accidentally sleep on my stomach or am wearing a nursing tank top for too long.
How old is your baby... and how is she/he feeding???? If your breasts are both clogged????
See a Lactation Specialist... call your Doctor again... don't wait.
One more suggestion. Lay the baby on her back, reclined a little so she's not flat on the floor or bed. Get on all fours over her and nurse that way for as long as you can. Gravity will help pull the clog out.
I had this problem with all three of mine. Cabbage leaves!!! Go get a head of cabbage and put it in the fridge, get it nice and cold. Take off a leave (big enough to cover most of your breast) and place it in your bra. AHHHHH! It feels so good and there is something about the leaf that pulls through the breast milk and will clear the duct. If I knew this sooner with my first I would have avoided the infection. I avoided the infection with my second and third by using cabbage. Do this in addition to the other advice you got :) Trust me, this will help big time!
Your baby is the best declogger. When she's really hungry, she should suck hard enough to unclog. If that doesn't work, hop in the shower. The warmer, the better. Massage breast/nipple while under the spray of the really, really warm water. The combination of heat and moister should unclog it. When you've dislodged the dried up milk that clog your milk duct, the milk should litterally spray out. And you should feel immediate relief. The shower always work for me. If you're still clogged after this, it's time to see the doctor.
In addition to what other mommies have said, stop using any nipple creams if you have been.
My lactation consultants always advised to use creams sparingly and only in dire circumstances.
I had this happen frequently with my eldest. Typically came on at times of stress also - so make sure you are drinking all the proper fluids and keep feeding.
You can do it!
Keep her going on one breast and let her completely empty one side it sounds as though your breast is not getting completely emptied. Next feeding start on the other side. She is the best unclogger.
As far as having an infection you'd know it. It literally feels like the flu with a fever it comes on suddenly and knocks you on your butt. I was there with my second son after a cracked nipple got infected. It was also Very painful.
Are you sure that they're actually clogged? In my experience an actual clog will be tender/painful--even when your breasts aren't full. My already rather lumpy breasts became more so while I was breastfeeding...especially in the first few months. Part of it was just the way my breasts were and the other part was just enlarged milk ducts.
Everything I know about clogged ducts and infections points to pain.
I know my midwife/lactation consultant sometimes recommends lecithin supplements. It helps make your milk more slippery. Drink plenty of water too.
The best advice I ever got on this subject was to nurse the baby with it's chin towards the clogged duct. Nursing in different holds will prevent clogged ducts from forming, because they will all get emptied completely at some point during the day.
