Postpartum: Clogged Duct
How To Get Rid of a Clogged Duct
If you clicked on this article, chances are you think you have a clogged duct. If you think you have one, you probably do. It feels like a bruised lump in the breast and can be pretty uncomfortable. A clogged duct shouldn’t send you into a panic but it does need to be treated so it doesn’t turn into mastitis (a breast infection).
Why do clogged ducts happen?
baby has a difficult latch
baby is a “sleepy” feeder
tongue/lip tie
going too long between feedings
changes in feeding/pumping schedule
baby sleeping through the night
returning to work and missing pump breaks
wearing tight bras
sleeping on your stomach
pump parts need replacing (especially valves/membranes)
When your breasts are not being emptied effectively the likelihood of a clogged duct increases. It’s important to work with your LC on getting a nice deep latch with your baby and carrying out effective nursing sessions. Many of us also pump. It’s very important to remember to replace pump parts. It is suggested to replace flanges every 30-60 days depending on usage.
Symptoms:
small, hard lump felt in the breast tissue close to the skin
“bruised” or tender feeling. May be hot to the touch
area near the lump may be engorged, red, or swollen
typically the pain resolves temporarily after a feeding (breast “emptied”) and becomes more intense before and during a feeding (breast filled)
Getting Rid of the Clog
HEAT- Before feedings, you can try to apply a warm compress to the site for 10-20 minutes or take a warm shower. This opens things up and helps blood vessels open up, which increases blood flow to the area for healing. A warm shower or compress ahead of time are both great options.
MASSAGE- you can massage your breast while you're in the warm shower or during the feeding/pumping session. You don’t need to be rough! Work on massaging both above the clog and below the clog. An electric toothbrush is a great tool.
REST- Resting is important and staying hydrated is also helpful. Drink to thirst, do not force fluids.
EMPTY YOUR BREAST-When you have a clogged duct or mastitis, you really want to keep your breast as empty as possible:even if that means nursing or pumping every two hours. We are trying to lessen the build up or back up around the clog. If it is too painful to nurse on the side with the clog, try nursing baby on the opposite side, just to get through that letdown then immediately switch to the side with the clog. We want to focus on making sure we empty the breast with the clog. The dangle nursing position can be helpful! This works by using gravity and the baby’s suction to pull the clog out.
It is recommended by the La Leche League to pump the clogged side a bit after your nursing session to ensure that you are “empty” (remember, your breasts are never really completely “empty”). You want to empty as much as possible to aid the healing process and prevent further backup.
A F T E R + B E T W E E N F E E D I N G S
REST- they say on average a mom spends about 1800 hours a year nursing/pumping. It is a full time job. REST is so key.
ICE- Ice is a great way to decrease inflammation. Cold packs like these are great (just on the site of the clog) for 10-15 minutes.
MEDS (AS INDICATED)- Taking some ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory), can be helpful in decreasing the swelling and inflammation in the area of the clog. It can also help decrease the pain.
Other Tips and Tricks:
Haaka Epsom Salt Soak- Fill up your haaka with warm water and some epsom salts and place the affected breast in it. This is another method to help open things up (warm water) and soothe (epsom salts). The suction of the haaka can also be helpful in pulling the clog as well.
Sunflower Lecithin- I have tried this one, and recommend it. It helps emulsify the fat cells from the ducts so the milk flows easier. This is a great preventative method as well! Please follow proper dosing instructions on bottle or follow the guidance of your Lactation Consultant
