How Can I Get Rid of a Clogged Duct?

Hi D. sorry to hear that you are having this problem it can be painful. I stepped in the shower and let the semi hot water run over my breasts. It soothed the pain and after a few showers I was no longer clogged. You can also try a heating pad across the breasts. Give this a shot and let me know how you did. S. mother of 4

A couple of things to try:
1) take a hot shower & massage the area
2) put a hot wash cloth on the area while nursing
3) try nursing in a different position to make sure that all ducts are getting emptied

Hi D.,

I don't know if you've gotten any good advice or gotten better yet, but I'll tell you how I got through the clogged duct ordeal. The best thing that helped me was to take a hot shower or put a heating pad on the area that is clogged and then massage it from that area towards your nipple to help push out the milk. If your pain continues though and you start to get a fever, you'll probably need to see your doctor and get antibiotics for infection. I had this happen with both my kids when I was trying to ween them from breastfeeding. If you're willing to postpone the weening for a few days, maybe your baby can help unclog it by nursing. Good luck and take care!

S.

Hello D.,

I understand what you are going thru. I had that problem too. I have a 6 mo-old baby.
Months ago, I found 4 lumps in my left breast. My doctor recommended to keep breastfeeding and start always with that breast first. Also, I put a little more than warm towels on my breasts every 3 hours and took very warm showers. Three of them dissolved in about one week, but one of them, very hard remained in there. My doctor suggested a biopsy, just in case, and I was relieved to know that was also the product or breasfeeding. It dissolved a couple of months later. The radiologist told me that the lump may take longer to be dissolved in some other people.
I think you should talk to your doctor and try everything she recommends to you. Pumps are really helpful as well.
Good Luck!!
Alejandra

Ahhh yes been there myself and had to go to the hospital for this they told me to put a cold leaf of cabbage on my breats for 20 minutes every 2 hours i know it sounds crazy but its worth a try.You dont have to stop breast feeding because u are going back to work u could save the breast milk in the playtex bags for bottles u dont have to use those bottles.goodluck and hope u get relief soon.

I've gotten these and mastitis several times. Here's what worked every time for me. 1) Put a heating pad on the spot, or put a damp washcloth in the microwave, heat it up, and put it on the spot. For me, the hotter the better. 2) Then, massage the area in a "down and out motion" -- think of moving the milk toward the nipple. 3) Nurse your baby. Wherever the clog is, put the baby's chin toward that spot. Yes, this may mean some crazy positions. I once had my son laying up over my shoulder while I was flat on my back to try to get rid of a clog that was at the top outer side of my breast. This tip came directly from a pro lactation consultant. 4) Up your fluid intake.

I tend to do the massage along with the nursing at the same time. I hope it works for you. They can get really painful.

K.

First, do you know what caused it? Are you wearing non-underwire bras? It's best not to wear underwire nursing bras at all, but you shouldn't wear one for the first 6 months. So, if you have underwire bras, put them asside for now and that can help. Being fitted by someone will also help, you could just be wearing the wrong size. Don't use Victoria's Secret, they really don't know what they are doing and will put you in the wrong size just to make a sale. Go to Motherhood/Mimi or find a local place that does specialty or medical sizing.
Massaging the area frequently can help unclog as well as submersing yourself in a warm bath (if your tub is deep enough).
Good Luck!

OUCH!!! i have been there. i found nursing more often, massage, heat, pumping and making sure you stay on your prenatal vitamin. i had kinda slacked off on my vitamine and there's actually lechitin in it that helps prevent it from happening. they also say to point your baby's chin toward the area of the lump and it's a sure fire winner. (that's where the most suction is?) that part didn't work for me but i know when you're desperate you'll try anything! good luck!

I had problems when I quit nursing also, and I feel for you. It was so painful!!!! To ease the pain I would sit in a warm bath with wet wash cloths on my breasts, or you can take a warm shower. It helps let out some of the milk. I also found pumping was less painful than nursing. (I also had a clogged duct) You should definetly call your doctor or a lactation consultant to get their advice. But once you do decide to completly stop nursing, buy a really tight bandage and wrap yourself up until you can't get it any tighter. That was what my doctor told me to do until the milk dried up. Good luck!!!

Continue to breastfeed on the side that has the clogged duct. Before breastfeeding, apply heat to the area for about 5 minutes. Massage the area in the direction toward the nipple. Also, taking lecithin 1200 mg 3-4 times a day works wonders. Maybe you could take it now and a few days after you stop nursing. Good luck. I know how painful a clogged duct can be!

J.