Painful Clogged Duct for the 2Nd Time in One Week!

My lactation consultant recommended the supplement Lecithin to me, to prevent recurrent clogged ducts. I've had a clogged nipple pore twice in one breast (who knew such a thing could even happen right??) and taking this has helped to clear it and prevent it from happening again. You can find additional information about the supplement and dosing here in the handout about clogged ducts and mastitis. My lactation consultant said this website (and the Dr. who wrote the articles) is one of the best resources for breastfedding support/issues. Good luck!!

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml

If it happens again, try to sleep on the side that has the clog. When I had mastitis, this did the trick, I think because of the heat and pressure.

Also, google "all purpose nipple ointment" and try to get a prescription for it from your OB. It was a godsend (I wish I had it the first time I was nursing). It has a pain reliever and something to prevent infection... and is for breastfeeding mothers. I have the same left/right problem that you do, and so the one side gets sore a lot because the latch isn't as good. That is where I get the clogged ducts and I had mastitis. I use the cream occasionally to prevent an irritiation from getting worse or introducing bacteria. It is a vicious cycle - poor flow, poor latch, pain, clog, mastitis, poor latch, poor flow, and so on.

And don't worry about the food - I know you are probably anxious for a break from all the nursing sessions (me too!) - but she is getting everything she needs from the breastmilk. And enjoy it, because you may be sad when she does wean. Supplementing is fine as long as you pump or your supply will diminish more.

Not all babies are ready for solids right away. Watch her cues, look for developmental readiness and interest. As long as she is getting breast milk, she's doing fine!

Breast milk should be the bulk of what she eats until around 12 months, anything until then is just learning, and easing their way into it. Some babies don't like mushy textures, and really don't take much to pureed foods and they don't really start eating solids regularly until they can self feed (usually around 10 months). Just keep offering, but don't fret too much :)

Your plugged duct should go away within 48 hours, nursing will help to drain it better than pumping (too much pumping sometimes causes plugged ducts) so NURSE NURSE NURSE as much as you can on that side.

Good luck

For the clogged duct--nurse her on the left side as long as she will, go to the right, and then BACK to the left. I do that because my left produces less than my right also. That helped me with a clogged duct and mastitis. The best thing for you to do is TAKE IT EASY and REST! Take care of yourself now and it'll go away. I rested (did minimal housework) w/ an infection and it cleared up w/ no meds. in a week. Best wishes!

First, you should get an old sock, fill it with rice, tie it at the end and heat it in the microwave for like 30 seconds. Make sure it's not scorching hot and put it on your breast for as long as you can (yes, I know it's really hard to find the time!). I got that advice from a lactation consultant when this happened to me (also twice in one week) a long time ago when my son was about your daughter's age. It really helped. You have to do it a bunch of times though. But if this keeps happening you really should talk to a lactation consultant - that's what they are there for. My son also wouldn't take formula (still nursing at 18 months but takes regular milk now). About the solid food, I also made my own. What have you made her? She may not be ready yet, though at 7 months I doubt that. Have you tasted it? Maybe the particular foods you have made her thus far just don't taste good? That has happened to me. Have you tried butternut squash? Most babies loves that. If you are giving her pureed fuits, try adding some cinnamon. If you are doing veggies, try adding a tiny bit of salt. I know they say not to, but it's only a tiny bit and it makes it so much better and if you give plenty of water and breastmilk to make up for it, then it's fine. Good luck!