Help! What have you ladies done for a blocked duct? I'm in pain over here. I have tried ice pack, hot shower, massage, trying to get baby to unplug it by feeding repeatedly on that side...nothing is working! Suggestions?
Maybe try pumping? Are you sure that it's not Mastitis? I would think that something you have been doing should have helped at least some. If it doesn't, maybe you should call the Dr. because if it doesn't get better it can cause Mastitis. I had Mastitis twice when Lily was a baby and it was very painful but it went away quickly both times with antibiotics.
I'm with M2P - are you sure it's not mastitis? Because everything you are doing should take care of a blockage. Take off your nursing bra and inspect the area where you think the duct is blocked. When I had mastitis it was bright red and splotchy and very warm to the touch. If it is - I would call your OB and tell him what is going on and have something prescribed. You don't want it going on too long because it will get more painful and you will spike a fever - neither of which are real fun.
Posts: 694 | Location: In my own little world.... | Registered: 10 April 2008
I'm not sure what a blocked duct feels like, but I did have mastisis and it hurt!! I cried every time I fed, pumped, anything! I got a high fever and then blood came out of my nipples and that was the end for me! I quit bf after that, so you should make sure you get it checked out quickly so it doesn't get too bad.
Kristi, I have had a plugged duct several times, the same one with each of my children. What worked for me was to take hot showers and massage the heck out of it in the shower (this hurts, I warn you). Then have the baby nurse on that side, with the chin facing the plugged duct. I read somewhere that that will maximize the sucking power where it needs to be, and it seems to work for me. So far, I've never had mastitis and have always been able to clear a plugged duct this way. I think I once used the pump, turned up on max, and that worked also, but not as quickly or as well as what I detailed above. Good luck! Plugged ducts are no fun.
Thanks for all the advice, ladies. Fortunately I woke up this morning and it was unblocked. Phew. What I did was all day long I did hot and cold compresses, massage, pump, and let her nurse on it. After all that repeatedly, it finally opened up. I'm so glad. I was starting to get pretty worried by late last night.
Glad your situation is resolved-- but I have one more thought. With a blocked duct: look for a white spot on your nipple. This sounds a bit gross, but it worked for me when I was nursing a few years ago. Try to loosen that white spot with your finger or a (sterilized!) pin. If you can get it out, you will know- milk will come gushing out immediately. relief!
Becca76, yes that might be gross but that is what worked for me. It was actualy a tip that my told me to do. She had 4 kids and had to do it everytime.
Becca76, your advice worked! Thank you! I did everything else imaginable and finally that worked. That said, I hope I never have to put a needle to my nipple again. Freaky.
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TuscMoms.com Editor Kristi Palma writes a parenting column for The Tuscaloosa News called "The Mom Stop."
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