Help - can't clear plugged duct. :(

[januarymama]

I have an area on my right breast that I am almost certain is a plugged duct. I first noticed it on Sunday, and since then I've been applying heat, pumping, nursing like mad, and massaging - no luck. It's slightly red over that area.

I don't have any fever or fluey symptoms, so I don't think I have mastitis yet. I'm scared though - I really don't want it to get bad because I have antibiotic allergies so I can only take the really strong broad spectrum antibiotics that have bad side effects.

What am I not trying?

[nikkivssll]

I have had a plugged duct a couple of times. It is awful! I feel your pain! I think what helped me the most was a really hot bath. I also spent a lot of time hovering over a bucket with my boob dangling in hot water while massaging the spot that is sore. Good luck! Hopefully it breaks free soon!!

[januarymama]

How long can it take to clear? I feel like I'm fighting the clock before it gets infected...

I'll try more bath time. I did that last night, and it seemed to help a little.

[hedgehogs4]

This may not be good advice, but it is what I do. I closely inspect my nipple - spreading it apart - and I look for a little white dot. If i find a white dot I scrape it off with my fingernail or use a sterile needle to remove it - this is usually the plug - then I massage the lump until it drains and I feel better w/in 24 hours. If I don't find the white spot I apply moist heat and keep on looking.

I hope you feel better soon.

eta: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplebleb.html

[abaad]

Originally Posted by hedgehogs4

This may not be good advice, but it is what I do. I closely inspect my nipple - spreading it apart - and I look for a little white dot. If i find a white dot I scrape it off with my fingernail or use a sterile needle to remove it - this is usually the plug - then I massage the lump until it drains and I feel better w/in 24 hours. If I don't find the white spot I apply moist heat and keep on looking.

I hope you feel better soon.

eta: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplebleb.html

I had recurrent mastitis with my first and finally realized this as well. I had a little white dot on one nipple. I picked it open with a sterilized needle each night and never got another infection. Eventually, it went away all together.

[AutumnAir]

You can also try taking lecithin. I had really bad plugged ducts in the same place all the time. Started lecithin - only had 2 in the last 5 months. I take 4 1200mg tablets daily.
Hope it's already cleared.

[januarymama]

Thanks ladies... I can't find a little white dot. Wish I could.