T.B.
I have 3 children, all breastfed. I got plugged ducts all the time, same side, probably the same ducts too. Yes, when you have a plugged duct, you are getting engorged because the milk is "plugged" so it's not free flowing. This backs up the milk and then you get engorged. Yes, it's painful. I've endured this so many times. Pumping never relieved it. I always had to take a hot shower (or use hot compresses) just before nursing and ONLY nurse on that side until the plug was released. Also, massage the breast that is plugged as you nurse...and change nursing positions. Sometimes it took a couple of nursing sessions....most times it was the first one. Honestly, I just think some women are more prone to getting plugged. I cannot explain why I got them so frequently, on the same breast. They say not to let more than 3 hours go by without nursing or pumping...but I firmly believe nursing on demand so I never let more than 3 hours go by, especially when they were young infants. I wish I could offer better advice. Once your little begins solids and nurses less often, the plugs do eventually stop. At least this was true for M.. After a year, I stopped getting plugged.