How do you unclog a breast duct?

Question

I breastfeed my 4 month old daughter. 3/4 of my breast feels painful and hard.

Answer 1

First, you want to nurse the baby a lot.

Second, use alternating hot and cold. A hot shower or washcloth will help.

Third, massage the breast. Try nursing in different positions. Nurse so that baby's chin is pointed toward the clogged duct.

If you have to pump to relieve the pain, just do so until you are more comfortable, do not "empty" the breast as you do not want to increase you milk supply; that will only make you more uncomfortable.

Avoid underwire bras, tight clothing, or anything that compresses the breast.

Be on the lookout for signs of mastitis - fever, aches, tiredness - if these develop you may have an infection and need antibiotics. Take extra vitamin C or whatever you do to boost your immune system.

Ibuprophen really helps me - not only does it help with the pain but, unlike Tylenol, it reduces inflamation and swelling.

Here's some websites:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
http://64.41.72.160/all_about/faq_infections.html

Answer 2

Gentle massage and frequent nursing. Heating pad and warm showers. Keep an eye on it because you don't want it to turn into mastitis...an infection of the breast. That can be dangerous. If it continues and there is redness and heat like an infection, see a doctor.

Answer 3

massage the affected area down toward the nipple. also PP suggested cabbage leaves...i heartily reccommend this for pain. just stick a chilled leaf inside your bra. nurse baby often and hot showers. these things always worked for me...oh, and drink tons of H2O. HTH! :)

Answer 4

Put a heating pad on it, and let the baby nurse frequently... I got clogged all the time.... Worked like a charm!

Answer 5

When I was nursing, my lactation nurse suggested hot showers, warm compress, and cabbage leaves on the breasts. She really suggested that- I didn't do it(cabbage leaves), but she suggested it.

Answer 6

Warm washcloths help. I'd use that then try to massage and squeeze the milk out.