Clogged duct question

[bunch]

Ive had one since this morning. I've been doing the pump, shower, bf, massage combo and just took some ibuprofen. So far, no change. When I do work it out, will the knot suddenly be gone? If not, how long should it take? I'm having a rough time. Dd and her million teeth keep biting me, I'm so panicked about that that letdown is taking forever and if this develops into mastitis before we leave for vacation on Saturday, I will lose my mind. If the knot is still there tomorrow, I might see if I can get some anti bs just in case. Blah.

Oh, and any other tips are appreciated.

[anna7602]

I had recurring clogged ducts and developed mastitis twice. I asked for and looked for every cure out there and here's what worked for me: a castor oil compress. I got a link from someone on the bump, but google it since I don't have it handy anymore. I vaguely remember you soak a wash cloth in castor oil, but there may have been more to it.

Combing my breast (with an actual comb) helped a bit, as did, wait for this, nursing DD while leaning over her. You know that wolf who nursed Romus & Remulus? I kind of felt like that. But it helped.

Having DH massage my breast while I squeezed my nipple or pumped also helped, but it took me a while to get comfortable with this (it almost felt like letting him watch me pee or something). I had a hard time having a letdown the first few times, but eventually I relaxed and really let him knead my clogged duct while I pumped.

And finally, I started taking Leicithin supplements after the second incident of mastitis, on my midwife's recommendation. It thins your milk a little so it's less likely to get clogged. You can read about it on kellymom.

[thatgirl2478]

a heating pad helped me a few times when I had clogs. And yes, you'll pretty much know immediately that it's gone - you'll feel the relief.

[Jem]

I agree with the heating pad. I would use that followed by a pretty forceful massage. That generally worked for me.

[mie]

Yes, you'll know when the clog is gone. I know that I experience plugged ducts when DD has changed her latch/is teething so when that happens I have to change how she nurses/nursing position. Using a warm compress, nursing over, breast compressions/massage while nursing has worked for me.

[ijack]

I've been told if you point the baby's chin toward the clog while nursing it helps

[bunch]

Jun 7, 2012 22:00:53 GMT -5 @domerjen said:

yes, point baby's chin towards the clog. hot compress and then massage. push the clog toward the nipple. doesn't have to be fast - go slow and gradually increase the pressure on the spot. once it's gone it'll feel better, but mine are often sore (like bruised) for a day or so. if you aren't sure if it's there or not have your DH feel - sometimes i'm so sore I can't tell if it's lumpy or just bruised.

. Good to know. I don't feel the lump anymore (or it's at least much smaller) but there is definitely still soreness. I think it's from massaging it so hard.

[oukapu]

A hot compress worked for me. It still hurt for the next two days for me, no sudden feeling of relief.

[satama]

I do a hot compress with a wash cloth or one of those flax seed heating pads you microwave. Then nurse leaning over the baby. The only difference from what domed said is I always thought you were supposed to point the babies nose toward the clog.

I definitely have a bruised feeling for a while after.

[Ashley&Scott]

Glad it's feeling better. I usually feel bruised after massaging too.

[thatgirl2478]

hope everything worked its way out and you're not feeling as bruised.