Post by Jalapeñomel on Sept 16, 2014 20:37:43 GMT -5
So how do I deal with this now that I am down to one pumping session a day (nursing before and after work an an additional pumping session at night)?
Kelly's Mom says I need to nurse and/or pump every two hours, but obviously that is impossible. If I massage when I can, will it eventually work out, or do I run the risk of it getting worse?
Do you use/have a disposable diaper? If so, run it under warm water and place it on your breast. It makes a great warm compress. After 10-15 min of that, pump. Try to pump for 25-30 min and do breast compressions/leave the warm compress on. This frequently worked for me. I EP and unfortunately am prone to clogged ducts. Your body should adjust in time to the reduced frequency but you do need to work out the clogged duct.
If you are still nursing, adding an extra session in May also be helpful since they are usually more effective than pumps
I've only been able to get clogs out by nursing in the "hover" position. Pumps have never done it for me. Warm compresses and massage might help though.
Post by redpenmama on Sept 16, 2014 21:20:35 GMT -5
I would try a heating pad or another warm compress when you can't nurse. I have had several clogged ducts over the years, and they all resolved themselves within 24 hours. I do think the heating pad helped but ultimately DD/DS ended up "unclogging" it themselves.
Post by Jalapeñomel on Sept 16, 2014 21:22:51 GMT -5
I just got home after grad school, and D is sleeping. I pumped, and now I have a heating pad on it. Should I try to do a dream BF session before I go to bed?
Massaging the heck out of it while breastfeeding is what relieves clogs ducts for me. I can usually get them to go away pretty quickly by doing that, or by massaging while pumping. I don't have a lot of experience with clogged ducts that have lingered for more than 5 hours though.
Hand express every few hours for a few minutes. It will likely resolve in a day or two. Massage the shower & while nursing too.
Is there anything else I can do while I'm at work?
I'm still in a lot of pain, so is there a point, if it continues, that I should visit my doctor?
I just did hand expression at work focusing on massaging the area with the clog. Not glamorous but I did it in a bathroom stall & used a paper towel to catch the spray. You might notice that the milk you express is discolored or tinged with blood, that's normal.
You will want to call the doctor if you start to experience mastitis symptoms.