Plugged ducts

[hikingmama222]

How long does it usually take to unplug a plugged duct? Woke up with one this morning, pretty sure it's from sleeping on my side.

I've been starting baby on that breast each feed, massaging the area, hot compress. Took a hot shower. Anything else I should be doing?

[vvvvvfee]

IME it's taken several days for them to gradually get less painful and decrease in size.

you can take lecithin supplements- capsules 4x a day or 1 tbsp of granules per day. drink lots of fluids, try to rest, take advil for the inflammation. you can also try applying an electric toothbrush or vibrator to the area to help break up the clog. (watch for worsening pain/redness/fever as that could mean you're developing mastitis. you can do watchful waiting to see if it improves over 12 hours- if not, see your doctor for antibiotics.)

[hikingmama222]

Seems I got it last feed... the hard lump in my breast is gone.

[spicysalmonroll]

Nov 9, 2016 13:27:35 GMT -5 hikingmama222 said:

Seems I got it last feed... the hard lump in my breast is gone.

That's good!! I've had 2-3, always in the same spot and I've cleared them within 8-15 hours.

[rufus426]

My LC recommends massaging up into the arm and towards the nipple. That way any excess fluid goes back into your system but milk is expressed.