How do you know if your milk duct is clogged?

Question

My left breast isn't producing a lot of milk compared to my right. Could it be my milk duct? How do you know?

Answer 1

Ducts become plugged when milk fails to drain completely. This can happen because of a poorly fitted nursing bra, incomplete or skipped feedings, an inadequate pump, an illness such as a cold, stress brought on by the holidays or work, or simply out of the blue. Left untreated, a plugged duct can evolve into a full-blown breast infection known as mastitis, so don't ignore the symptoms.

What should I do?
Nurse, nurse, nurse! Frequent nursing is crucial to completely empty the breast, for comfort and to reduce inflammation.

Experts also recommend that you massage the sore area frequently and firmly, starting at the top of the breast and working your way toward the nipple. Applying warm compresses before nursing can help empty the breast.

Vary your nursing position. For example, if you use the cradle hold, try the football hold or nurse lying down. Also, many women swear by this trick: Position the baby at your breast with his chin pointed toward the sore spot. This directs suction at the plugged duct and seems to promote healing.

Some women also report success using herbal remedies such as echinacea, lecithin, and vitamin C. Taking ibuprofen may help relieve pain and inflammation, but ask your doctor first.

Next to nursing, the most important thing is rest. This may seem difficult or impossible with a baby to care for, especially if you have other children, but it's an important element of recovery. To get a bit more shut-eye, consider keeping your baby with you in bed. Put a stash of things you'll need nearby, such as diapers, toys, books, and drinks, to minimize trips out of bed. If possible, ask someone to help you for a few hours a day so you can get some sleep.

To help prevent future plugged ducts, avoid long stretches between feedings. A poorly fitting or constrictive bra may also contribute to plugged ducts, so buy nursing bras that really fit.

Answer 2

How long have you been breastfeeding? Usually if you breastfeed more on one side than the other the side that isn't "used" as often doesn't produce as much milk as the one that is most used. When your milk duct is clogged, the breast will be very sore and warm and sensitive to the touch. In some cases, you may even have a lump in your armpit (a kernal). It is caused from infection. If you have recently had a baby and breastfeeding, try standing in the shower and let the warm water go over your shoulders, back, neck, and breasts and massage that breast while in the shower. It should help release the milk and help it come down. It may take a couple tries to get it unclogged. The doctor may try to put you on antibiotics, but remember any kind of medication that you take, goes directly to your baby. I hope this helps! Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 3

A clogged milk duct will usually produce a small red painful bump on the nipple. You can massage it to try and unclog it. Look up the La Leche League on the internet. They are very helpful.

Answer 4

When a milk duct clogs, it's usually painful and there would be a lump / redness. It may be a symptom of mastitis. Feed equally on both sides, or jump into a warm shower to get a "let down," and try to express milk or colostrum by hand.

Answer 5

Use heat compreses like your Dr. pronounced and on a similar time with the aid of fact the compresses get your infant to nurse from that breast frequently together with his chin pointed in direction of the clogged duct if obtainable. gently rubdown the clogged duct in a around action with the warmth compress whilst your infant breastfeeds. This worked for me! good success!

Answer 6

I can't express enough how great information from Le Leche League is!!! I read the book, The womanly art of breastfeeding, and it was great! you can get the book online or just about anywhere you get other baby stuff....

REMEMBER, BREAST IS ALWAYS BEST!!!

also, contact your local le leche league group! they can be an enourmous support system for you!

Good Luck!!!!

Source(s):

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Answer 7

Duff man to the rescue!!!! All you need to do is clamp that baby on and tug tug and tug. (RE)peat if necessary