Plugged Ducts
Updated: Feb 19, 2022
#PluggedDucts ARE THE WOOOOOOORST!
And unfortunately, they are pretty common. Let me hit you with some knowledge. 🤯😆
🧐What causes them?
baby not draining the breast well and/or frequently enough (examples: poor #latch, #tonguetie, #sleeptraining, strict feeding schedules, baby illness, #teething)
pump not draining the breast well and/or frequently enough (#returningtowork, wrong #flangesize, poor suction due to pieces needing to be replaced or motor problems)
ill fitting #bra (too tight or not correct size - need to be especially cautious if using underwire)
other things like true, chronic #oversupply, sleeping on your stomach or getting a massage while laying on stomach for an extended period of time
it’s important to get to the root cause, especially if you keep getting them over and over
some women are more prone to them (the thought is that these women may have “fattier, stickier” milk)
🥺?What will happen if they don’t get better?
Worsening #pain, possible #decreasedmilksupply, and can eventually lead to #mastitis 😱
🤕How are they treated?
frequent nursing and/or #pumping
#warmcompresses to the affected area before nursing/pumping
#breastmassage in and around affected area (usually is tender but I compare it to a deep tissue massage… it sort of hurts so good) while nursing/pumping
Try “dangle” feeding or pumping
Try switching positions when #breastfeeding (if baby will do that happily)
Bonus points for lots of breast massage and hand expression in a hot shower, and then also nursing/pumping immediately after the shower
Soaking the breast(s) in a bowl of warm water with #epsomsalt (always rinse breasts afterwards). There are also some hacks out there regarding doing this with a #Haaka silicone pump.
Sort of an unspoken phenomenon but some women ask their partner to try and “suck it out” out of desperation.
🤔What is Lecithin?
Made from sunflowers, it is a food additive that acts as a fat emulsifier.
Some women take sunflower #lecithin supplements while dealing with an active plugged duct or preventatively
Since it is a fat emulsifier, the thought is that it helps #breastmilk become “less sticky” and therefore less prone to clumping together and causing plugs.
As with any #supplements or #medications, don’t take advice solely from strangers on the internet. Always involve your healthcare provider.
If you are dealing with plugged duct(s) or have any other lactation concerns, I would be so happy to help you on your breastfeeding/pumping journey! More info on my Virtual or In-Home consultations can be found here: https://www.moblactation.com/book-online