plugged duct w/older baby who won't nurse for long?

[Blanca78]

Help! I am 99% certain I've developed my first plugged duct--a hard, tender lump on ol' Lefty, who normally produces around twice what Righty does. My 8-month-old has recently gone from nursing 2-3 times at night to 0-1, so I'm guessing that must be what triggered it.

From what I read, the best treatment is just to nurse nurse nurse, but what do you do if your LO is too distractible and active to nurse for more than five minutes or so at a time, except for bedtime when she hunkers down for maybe 20 minutes? Plus she's in daycare three days a week. I have a pump but it doesn't seem that effective at drawing out the milk and in the meantime I'm worried the duct will get worse.

I guess I'm confused because if the answer is to nurse more, won't that stimulate more supply, thus contributing to the overarching problem?

Any tips?

[Anna Phor]

You can also do massage and heat. 

For that bedtime nursing session, nurse from the plugged side first, when she is most hungry and will suck the hardest. If you can, try to massage the plug--or just below it--while she is nursing. It's been described to me like trying to get a tangle out of hair. You need to brush out the part closest to the tip of the hair first before you can get the higher up parts out.

Also, you can massage under warm water in the shower, and hand express a little, to see if that will move things along.

[cat13]

Ouch, those hurt! I have had really good luck with taking 1200mg of Lecithin up to 4 times a day (per Kellymom) to help with plugged ducts.

I've also heard that you can use a "personal massager" on it to help break it up. I can't vouch for that since I haven't had a plugged duct since I heard that amazing advice, but it couldn't hurt?

[Blanca78]

Ha ha, well, I just happen to have a "personal massager" available...will have to try it. I'll check out lecithin too.

Thanks for the tips...it's killing me. I can't even pick her up on that side now because her weight when she leans against me is too much.

[Asiago]

Also point her nose in the direction of the clog. I read that somewhere it seems to make sense. It does seem to help.

If you have a changing table, lean over her and let her nurse, letting your breast dangle.

I've been through this a few times and indeed the best remedy is to nurse at every opportunity, which you likely do anyway.

[cat13]

Originally Posted by Blanca78 

Ha ha, well, I just happen to have a "personal massager" available...will have to try it. I'll check out lecithin too.

Thanks for the tips...it's killing me. I can't even pick her up on that side now because her weight when she leans against me is too much.

Please tell me how it goes, I'm curious!

[mamapigeon]

Blanca, I just got over a clogged duct and the hot shower massage seemed to be the best for providing pain relief. I also agree with everyone, try to nurse on that side first and as often as possible.