Possible Clogged Duct

Hi K., it is Lisa! Yes-I had chronic plugged ducts with my first and the last lead to mastitis. The lactation consultant had me put his nose towards the plug and also had me try different holds like the football hold while nursing. He would unplug it most of the time. I was told to nurse-nurse-nurse which is what I did but that increased my supply and I CERTAINLY did not need to do that. ALso told to do hot compresses and massage a LOT which also helped! Yours sounds somewhat like mastitis with the hot spot-keep track of any fevers or tiredness-if it is, back into the doc for meds ;0)
Good luck-email me!!!
Lisa

Hi! I'm sorry to hear what you're dealing with. Not fun! It does sound like a clogged duct. Like you, I nursed my first two with no problem, and on my third I had what you have, twice. Mine did lead to mastitis the first time. I will tell you that it doesn't mean ending your nursing relationship! Expressing milk should really helps get things going again either way. Mastitis is very easily cleared up with antibiotics, too. It wasn't a particularly fun experience, but also not a huge deal. You're doing the right thing with the hot compresses. I was told to do that, massage the area frequently, and nurse/pump often to try to get the milk flowing from that duct again. If you develop a fever, do get into your Dr. because you probably moved to mastitis. If you're vigilant, you'll probably be fine. It has been a few years since I dealt with this, so I will be interested to see if there's anything new out there that people are now recommending. Good luck!

It sounds like a clogged duct, and hopefully you've successfully dealt with it by now and are feeling a lot better! If you are still dealing with it though, here's one more suggestion, a variation on the hot washcloth, which never worked for me - couldn't keep it hot enough long enough to do any good. Instead, fill a big bowl with enough water to lean over a counter and put your entire breast in the bowl, past the hot spot, which sounds like will be pretty deep for you. Massage from behind the spot while you're soaking, soak for 10-15 minutes, then express, refill the bowl with new hot water as needed, and repeat until you feel the plug release. There may be several plugs, as it is crystallized milk. I find it best to do this during nap time or after my son has gone to bed so that I can repeat as needed, as one time it took me 2 hours to get the multiple plugs out. A bath is another great option, as you are more comfortable while doing this. I had over 12 plugged ducts with my son between 2 and 14 months, I still have to be careful of them.

The gravity nursing and chin towards plug nursing is essential. Also, have baby suck from that side only until the plug is cleared. Pump or express to comfort on the other side while doing this.

If you find you get them repeatedly (hopefully not an issue for you!), apparently many women have luck adding a lecithin supplement to their diet. I tried this, but for me, seemed to make matters worse.

Contact a La Leche League leader or group if you have more questions either about this or other breastfeeding questions. They have great information and support. www.llli.org. Look under resources, then find a leader/group.

Good luck! Feel free to email me for support. You're doing great for your baby.

Place a hot, moist washcloth on it for about 5-10 minutes before nursing, then place the babies nose towards the clogged duct (you might need to lie on your side or try a different position for nursing) and then massage the sore area as your baby nurses. Have her nurse on that side first every time (you can switch after a few minutes) until the clog is gone. However, if it's already hot and painful, it might have already developed into mastitis, so you should call your doctor just to check with him/her.

Hi K.,
I had a very similar experience while I was nursing my son. The hot compresses do help, as can massaging the area. Continuing to nurse frequently is, of course, vital, and some of the other moms have suggested pointing the baby's nose toward the clog. I didn't try that, but I was told to try nursing while on all fours with the baby lying under me. It was strange, and not something I'd do publicly, but it did seem to help, so maybe it is worth a try for you. I hope you find some relief, I remember how painful clogged ducts are!

I had that. It sounds like mastitis and you need antibiotics if it is. Call your dr.