Engorged or Clogged Ducts

Updated on February 14, 2011
S.K. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

Well I do get engorged once in a while.It's the same duct and this has happened 2-3 times before as well.I do regular pumping ,nursing,cabbage leaves, heat - it always opened up in a day or two. But there is not a sure shot thing I can do to get it to open up - it frustrates me.This is the first time I am engorged and at work, its lot more painful this time...I thought I will ask you moms if there is anything that worked for you everytime ? And also any tips on how to avoid this in future? My son is a good nurser and I still end up with a clogged duct once in a while sigh!

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T.B.

answers from Miami on

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.

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M.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

I've had my share through nursing my kids. Just had one 2 days ago! (OUCH!!!)

What has worked EVERY time for M.. I have one of those (we call them snakes) long piece of material with a handle on each end that has rice inside. You heat it in the microwave. I heat it and "wrap" it around my breast and it has cleared it up each time! I did have to do it twice this last time but my baby didn't let M. keep it on for very long because he wanted to be picked back up and it's too hot to hold him while doing this.

IF you don't have one. Just take a LONG sock and fill it with rice. Tie end shut. Heat in microwave.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

I only had it happen occasionally, and not one single thing worked all the time. Massage was my best bet, as was nursing. Hope others have good suggestions for you.

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Oh, I've had my share of these. It does get painful and I've ended up having a breast infection. Hate it!

I would say..massage and massage. Warm compresses and massage. Have your son nurse towards that duct and massage.

Massage with warm compress before you are going to nurse, have your son latch on towards that side and nurse.

Oh, I hope you feel better soon.

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