Plugged ducts all the time!

[happy & blessed]

I am breastfeeding a 2 month old, and I have had a plugged duct a couple times a week since she was born. It usually lasts about 24 hours - I just encourage her to nurse almost constantly from it and I massage while she is nursing. I'm wondering why this is such a recurrent problem though. My bras are loose, I try nursing in various positions, and I feed on demand, which is every 2 hours or so (every 3 or so at night). Any ideas on how to prevent this? I haven't gotten mastitis yet, but i'm thinking it is inevitable if i keep getting plugged ducts this often.

[orangecanoe]

One thing I found that contributed to them was side sleeping which I wouldn't have realized til I read it on I think it was kellymom.com? I've also read that some people have had success with taking lecithin.

[lactivist]

I highly recommend looking into taking Lecithin. I have seen several moms with recurrent plugged ducts take it with great results. Some have only needed to take it for a period of time and can then wean off but others take it during their entire nursing career. It helps to emulsify the fat in your milk to make it easier to get out and less likely to plug up.
Wendi

[happy & blessed]

Hmmm... I do side sleep facing the baby - maybe I'll try rolling onto my back after she is done nursing. I'll go get some lecithin too. Thanks ladies!

[aswbarry]

I just noticed that I have this same problem if I wear my bra with under wire. It fits loosely and I had been wearing it because it has a front clasp and so I would just unhook the whole thing to nurse but for some reason it causes plugged ducts. Weird! I hope your problem is solved soon!