Breastfeeding Runners - Plugged Ducts?

[Jewels06]

I'm just wondering if anyone else seems to have this problem. It seems that anytime I go running a couple days later I wind up with a plugged duct. I am a well endowed woman as it is and breastfeeding has made that even more so but I do try to wear enough support but it is difficult. I hate that I can't run anymore without this happening so I was hoping that other Mother's have been through this and have found a solution. Any ideas Mamas? TIA!

[ameliabedelia]

What type of bra are you wearing? The best type of just a regular old, cotton sports bra. Make sure it's not too tight or too small. Avoid anything with underwire.

You can also supplement with lecithin, it helps prevent plugged ducts. Be sure to nurse both sides thoroughly both before and after running if possible (if your baby is agreeable. .

Good luck.

[ttcintexas]

I have not had this problem. I found this bra early on in my nursing/running experience because I was looking for a bra that I could quickly get out of to nurse me DD (she always wanted to nurse as soon as I got home!). Not sure if the bra helped prevent plugged ducts or not, but I love it. Good luck.

http://www.barenecessities.com/produ...ort350014-_-NA

[Jewels06]

Thanks for the bra recommendation ttcintexas! I have been using this one:

http://www.motherhood.com/Product.as...tegory_Id=MC29

and also using a cotton sports bra over top for added support. I haven't worn an under-wire since having my DS but I will have to try the lecithin to see if that helps. I read an article that said any rapid arm movement can cause a plugged duct and I know I pump my arms as I run but I didn't think it was that vigorous. Hopefully this works and I'm thinking about getting that other bra it looks like it has more support than the one I use. Thanks!

[MyTwoCherries]

Yes! This happens to me as well. I just had a good long run a few weeks ago followed by a good week of plugged ducts, milk blisters and other fun . . . I haven't found an answer.

I just have to play with how much I'm running, how young/much nursing lo is doing, and time. Between pregnancies and nursing babies I haven't run close to as much as I'd like, , but for me I've figured it's time and season.

That said, I'm going to give it a go again this week and see if maybe we've hit the magical mark. My little one is 6 1/2 months so I'm hoping that the time is getting closer.

Hang in there!

[Maine Mama Doula]

I haven't nursed in a year and am still dealing with abscesses and lumps in one of my breasts and I'm pretty sure they all started with clogged ducts. I was running sporatically throughout pregnancy/nursing/and after with my last baby, so maybe there is something to say about running and clogged ducts. I'm pretty sure the Victoria's Secret nursing bras I was wearing had something to do with it. When running, I always wore a sports bra and a nursing tank or swimsuit because I am bigger breasted with 38DD. Apparently, what I was doing didn't work. So the only advice I have is don't do what I did!

[Jewels06]

I am also a 38DD and I double up on my bras as well. Unfortunately it doesn't have anything to do with how long or often b/c anytime I go running I get a clogged duct. This past time I went running for 10 minutes strait which I didn't think was a whole lot, it was a good workout b/c I haven't been running but not real long. I wish I knew the answer to fix it but until then DH said I should probably just power walk and he's right it's just not the same