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Plugged duct help!

post #1 of 3
Thread Starter 

I am going on 10 or so days with what seems like a few plugged ducts in my right breast.  I've done everything!


Taking advil, nursing around the clock, pumping, warm compress, hot baths, hot showers, massages, extra vitamin c.


I don't have any signs of mastitis... knock on wood! So I don't want to call for antibiotics, but it is painful/sensitive, and I'd like it to be over with!


Any suggestions? They are on the top of my breast, so pointing her chin at the area is a little difficult.



post #2 of 3



Sounds like you are doing everything right!


You can try doing several of those things at once -- take a long hot shower while massaging the area, then get out and nurse your (hopefully hungry) baby for as long as possible while continuing the compressions/massage. You might want to also lay baby on the bed, and you get on all fours or knees/elbows, and sort of dangle it down to her -- get gravity on your side. Hold that position as long as you can (I did this a few days ago and found it to be not the easiest thing in the world!).


You might also try an extended pumping session. Move the flange around and try to drain the area. Again, use gravity -- easier with a pump than a baby. Do compressions/massage/heat with the pumping.


A mom I've worked with (I'm an LLL leader) successfully used ultrasound to break up material in a persistently blocked duct. A chiropractor administered the u/s to her.


Finally, get some rest if you can.


I'm so sorry and I hope it clears up very soon!


Kellymom on plugged ducts & mastitis


Dr. Jack Newman's blocked ducts page

post #3 of 3

I had a friend with the same problem and she called me for advise several months ago. I told her to try nursing in the side lying position so her son's feet were in her face. This was the easiest way I could come up with to get that chin movement where she needed it best. I called her a couple of days later and it worked. Besides everything else mentioned, that's my suggestion. Good luck and let us know what happens!

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