I've exclusively nursed my son from day one, and he is just about to turn 1 year old. Today I awoke to discomfort in my left breast, sore and achy. I was hoping perhaps it was just sore from being kicked (we co-sleep and I often wake up with feet in my face), but when I nursed and let-down, it increased the discomfort. It's localized to the lower left portion, which makes me think it's a clogged duct. I've heard these are tremendously painful, and am hoping someone has advice for how to avert it before it gets worse. I've used a hot rag to soak it, didn't notice much difference. I prefer natural solutions if possible!
Thank you all for the great advice. I massaged the area pretty aggressively, used hot compresses, placed cabbage leafs against my skin, nursed my son as frequently as possible (he didn't complain one bit!) and took extra calcium and magnesium. My fever broke that night, and the area was considerably less sore the next day. Today it's almost as if it never happened, there is just the smallest bit of residual soreness.
ok now i know this may sound strange but take some cabbage leafs and put on the breast as if it was your bra then put your bra on top of it for some reason it unclogs the duct i hope it works best of luck
E.,
Glad you've made it this long without a clogged duct. My son is 5 months old and I've had so many of them. My best remedy is to soak in a hot bathtub. I'd lay on my side so the breast that had the clogged duct would just float in the water. Then nurse or pump soon afterward. I had so many problems with this I took a natural supplement (found in the vitamin section) called "lecithin" to help and this eliminated them completely. It's a fat emulsifier and worked quickly to alleviate the clog. Hope this helps!
I 2nd the hot bath. I would soak for 20 minutes and then feed my son soon after (within a 1/2 hour) and it would clear a lot faster than if I tried using compresses.
E.:
congratulations on bf for a yr!
hot compress' and massage out from the chest wall. if he is willing bf with his chin in line with the plug.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
I second the advice to take the supplement lecithin. It helps alleviate clogged ducts. While nursing, you can also try to position your baby so his chin is pointing towards the clogged area. This might help him dislodge it.
Compresses as hot as you can stand, as much nursing as possible, and massage that sore area. Hope you feel better soon!
