Plugged Milk Ducts

I have one more postion for you to try.

Put the baby on his back on the bed or floor. Get down on all fours over him and nurse him like that, with your breast hanging down. Often when the point-their-chin position doesn't work, this will.

And you have to be very diligent about the warm compresses, it might take another day or two, keep them on as long as possible. Keep massaging it as long as you can stand it. And at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, get to bed, and stay there and nurse as much as you can until it feels better. Yes, the cabbage leaves work too, and lots and lots of fluids. If you are feeling ill and don't get better after 24hrs of complete rest, go see the doctor, you have mastitis and at that point definitely need antibiotics..

Unfortunately, you will probably have to take a day or two off from work. This might be a good time to explain to them that you have to pump at least every four hours, because if you don't this is what happenes.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Similar to the warm compressed, really warm/hot showers helped me. I'd position the breast in the warmest water I could stand comfortably. Then I'd massage while the water was on me. It kind of combines methods. The other thing that worked for me once which seems weird, but did bring me relief once...check your nipple for the duct that is clogged by watching for a white spot/pimple. Use a pair of fine tweezers and see if you can actually pull the dried milk that is blocking the duct out. I know it sounds strange and painful, but it did actually work for me once when nothing else did. I actually read the idea either on here or another website.

This may sound weird, but it's a timeless and trusted remedy. Warm large cabbage leaves in boiling water for a little while, remove them and when they have cooled down enough, but still warm, place them over your breasts. It works wonders.

I don't know too much about plugged ducts. I expierenced it only once and it dislodged the same day. So I'm not much help with your current concern. However, I am concerned about you going 7 hours without pumping. I know how hard it is to work and pump, but if you are commited to nursing your baby, it's important to be commited to pumping. You are protected by law. Your employer cannot deny you the time and space needed to pump (if that is an issue). I made the mistake of letting work come first and I was dried up within a month. :( I skipped pumping too often. Just be careful, unless you are ready to start him on formula. I hope, for your comfort, that everything gets flowing again!!

Hi R.. When I got a plugged duct, I sat in a warm bath to get it unplugged. That worked for me. I just noticed that your post is over a month old so hopefully you worked things out. If it happens in the future, try a warm bath.

R.,

I'm sorry that I don't have any other suggestions. THe things you have already tried are what has worked for me in the past. My only suggestion would be to try www.lalecheleague.org or www.kellymom.com for other suggestions or call your local La Leche League leader (available on the website) or a lactation consultant, usually one is available at the hospital. Keep trying what you are already doing until you get some other suggestions. Good luck

J.

Are you sure it is not mastitis? That is an infection, which requires antibiotics to clear up. The symptoms are pain and fever, and the breast is often red and hard. If you have been having pain for that long, I would definitely call your doctor. Good luck.