I frequently massage my breasts when my 6 month old daughter nurses - partly so it comes out faster, and also to make sure she gets it all out. Today I noticed hard, tender lumps while she was nursing (right side only). Once she was finished I tried pumping & massaging to get the milk to release, and it wouldn't. I tried a warm compress, as well as nursing on all 4's (read to do this somewhere)...nothing has helped release the milk. I don't feel worn down or sick (hasn't graduated to mastitis) but I am scared it will progress if I can't get this milk out. Any advice???
Praise Jesus! Thank you for all of your help...I feel like I was hooked up to my pump all day!!! Savannah wouldn't nurse on the clogged side b/c nothing was coming out & she was getting mad about it. After a hot bath & lots of massaging and then pumping and massaging, it released. I really appreciate everyone's help and advice!
Next time, you want your babies chin to be in the direction of the clog!
This is going to sound a little funny--so here it goes. I have always clogged too and I just get in the warm shower and when your breasts are wet, just sorta use your fingernail and pull out the hardened pieces. I know that sounds gross, but the warm water loosens them up a little better and I think this is completely normal bc I am already starting to do it and I am 26 wks pregnant--and I did w/my first two kids. Try it and maybe it'll get better for you!--C.
Sweetie I know this sounds a little wiered but try putting a raw cabbage leaf on your naked breast in your bra. Leave it on inbetween feedings for one to two days for comfort until your breast feels better, do not leave on overnight. This worked for me with two sons with clogged ducts and once with my daughter and third son with mastitis. It should bring you relief not only with the discomfort but with the let-down.
My heart goes out to you,
J. B.
I also found standing under the warm shower water and massaging would clear the blocked duct. Warm compresses worked too. If it does progress make sure to call your doctor!
Good luck!
Look on www.kellymom.com for advice too. You've gotten some good ideas here as well. Another thing to help is to avoid high fat foods beleive it or not. Drink lots of water too. Lecithin supplements can also be helpful I found. Good luck!
When I had one my lactation consultant had me put warm compress, then cabbage leafs. It helped and a couple of days later it was gone.
Warm shower and massage. Make sure you clean off any milk that crusts over your nipples.
You may want to try placing one hand under the breast, then using the other hand in a rolling motion, toward your nipple, to release the milk. Doing this in a warm shower should help more.
If it continues, please, don't wait too long to get it checked. I got a terrible infection after weaning my daughter that got me hospitalized. I fainted at home twice and was hospitalized for 3 days from the infection. Not to scare you, as this is not the norm. Just wanted to offer some advice. Mine had been hurting and lumpy for several weeks (off and on) before it got to that point. I just thought it would go away on its own, but didn't.
Anyway, I hope you're feeling better soon.
