Blocked Milk Duct

[StretchmarkBarbie]

I have a blocked duct on my left breast and OMG IT HURTS!!!! Does anyone have any tips to help get rid of it.

And how do i know once it is gone?

[Myztik]

Hop in a nice warm shower and with the water running over it try to massage it as best you can.

More frequent feeds (as much as it hurts unfortunately the more you feed the better).

Warm flannels placed over the sore spot.

[SPC]

* continue to breastfeed often, promote feeding on the effected side
* depress the breast during feeding
* massage the breast before feeding to stimulate flow
* massage the breast, [cupped hand and firm downward strokes with the thumb], under a hot shower
* soak the affected breast by leaning over a bowl of warm water
* change positions of the infant during feeding to encourage drainage of the whole breast
* avoid constricting clothing, ie underwired bra or baby carrier
* try taking lecithin, 1tbsp/day

[Riordan and Wambach, 2010, p.293]

[judabellah]

I have the same thing at the moment, same breast. We are blocked duct twins haha! OUCH!

I have had several of these over the last 6 weeks. What works for me, in addition to the above advice was given to be by a lactation consultant. It sounds a bit weird but it works!!

If you have a (er hmm...) a vibrator, turn it onto high and use it to massage over the affected area. Last night I went to sleep with mine buzzing on my boob. Feels a lot better today.

If it is a recurrent thing, use the vibrator regularly to massage any lumpy spots in your breasts. This will help prevent any blockages apparently.

Hope it helps :)

[LilMissnBoo]

And how do i know once it is gone?

It won't feel lumpy anymore.

I used to put a heat pack on mine or jump in the shower and massage the lump towards your nipple with the heel of you hand.

[JabberJaw]

Put a chilled cabbage leaf in yr bra. The outer green leaves are the best.

I would go to the GP asap to incase you get mastitis. If it is that painful, i would go as soon as i could.

[BabyPaparazzi]

Is the area red and hot too cause this is a sign it has gotten infected (mastitis) and you may need antibiotics?

[Aries7]

If you cannot get rid of it in a day, then go to your local Dr's clinic & get them to use an ultrasound wand on it.
Sounds weird, but it works amazingly!! The heat from the ultrasound breaks up the blockage completely in about 10 minutes. You then go home & feed bubs straight away & the blockage will be completely gone.
I used to have ultrasound done weekly!! I suffered from huge blocked ducts the size of golf balls & amazingly enough, never got mastitis.
My Dr said it's the only way to get rid of a blockage that you can't move with massage/hot showers/heat packs/feeding, etc.
Our local Dr's clinic gets their ultrasound machine used on a daily basis from breastfeeding mothers!!!

[squiglet]

I too have a blocked duct on my left breast.
I have tried the lot and now it has a red spot appearing.
I used to get them a lot with DD1. Nothing ever worked, I think it only unblocked once the pressure got to a point.... ouch!

If it hasn't unblocked today I will go to the Dr.'s.