Recurrent Plugged Milk Ducts-Update -HELP!!!!

[tina-t]

I am getting frustrated. When I breastfed ds 3 yrs. ago, I kept on getting plugged milk ducts 1-2 per week since he was 2 mos. old up to 9 mos. when I finally could not stand it anymore and weaned him. I also had one episode of mastitis that time.

Fast forward to the present, with dd who is almost 6 weeks old. I have had 3 plugged milk ducts (different parts of both breast) this time. As before, I don't wear tight bras or clothing. I don't miss/skip feedings. I am taking a total of 4800 mg of lecithin per day. I drink lots of liquids and try to get as much rest as I can. I told myself that if I keep on getting plugged milk ducts like before, I will just stop breastfeeding and wean her. However, I want to try everything that I can to prevent getting plugged milk ducts so I can nurse her for as long as I can. I am working with a lactation consultant and Laleche league with this.

Any other suggestions???

TIA!

UPDATE: I have had 16 episodes of plugged milk ducts (in both breasts in different areas) in the past 4 weeks. I have tried lecithin 1200 mg 4 x per day, evening primrose oil 3 x per day and phytolacca. Nothing is preventing it. HELP!!!!

[Java]

How are you holding her? I was getting plugged ducts every other week with DS and turns out it was because of the position I was holding him. He would rest on my upper breast and that would plug.

With DD I've only had 2 incidents and she's 3 months. The plugs were on the side of my breast where I clamp my arms down. She was so small at birth that I would scrunch up my shoulders and arms to my sides to hold her tight and that pressure would cause the plugs.

How about your sleeping position? Where you wear your purse? Plugged ducts suck! Good luck.

[tina-t]

I don't use a purse. The diaper bag that I use hangs from my shoulder (Oioi hobo) and does not touch my breasts. I sleep on my back. When I nurse dd, she is on the "my brest friend pillow" and rarely puts pressure on my breasts.

I've been through this so many times in the past that I am careful not to put any pressure on my breasts.

Thanks for your response though.

[Rachels]

Try homeopathic phytolacca decandra. It's GREAT for plugs and mastitis. I have no explanation for how great it is.

Are you dealing with oversupply issues, do you think? That can contribute to plugs.

Have you seen this?
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/recurrent-mastitis.html

Hang in there, mama. You're doing a good thing for your baby and there is an answer out there for you.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[tina-t]

Thanks for your input! Do you know the dose of the phytolacca? Do you have to take it with the hepar sulphur as the kellymom website suggested?

[tina-t]

Sorry, forgot to ask if you take this only when you have a plugged milk duct or if you take it everyday to prevent one from forming. Thank you!

[elephantmeg]

I take lecithin 2 tabs once a day to prevent plugged ducts. It works really well for me. The rec dosage on Kellymom is much higher but I've found that 2 is just enough to keep milk moving.

[heather13]

Uggh, I feel for you. That stinks. A few things that worked for me as recos from my LC:

1) Changing nursing position. DD seemed to "unplug" me when I nursed her football versus cradle hold which was my norm.

2) Olive oil on a cotton ball tucked in your bra over the nipple. This seemed to help prevent them once I got rid of them. This kind of worked for me, more so it helped prevent cracks on my nipple that developed after horrible plugs.

3) Never tried this, but another mom actually laid her son on the bed and balanced her boob over him while nursing (basically in a push up position) to let gravity help pull out the plug.

4) Pump. I think this is mentioned on kellymom as a way to help prevent them.

Good luck!

[Rachels]

Ack, I just saw this! I have only taken it when I have a plug or mastitis, and I haven't needed the sulphur.

What do you think about the possibility of oversupply?


-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[tina-t]

We've thought about that and I went to feeding from one breast at a time, when dd was 3 weeks old. I just started on the 12 hour pseudophed last sat. night to see if this might help decrease my milk supply a bit. I've had one plugged milk duct a day since saturday but on the same area of the left breast. It's probably not fully resolving and keeps on coming back. I do warm compresses and breast massage and compression though.

I just feel very discouraged.

[Rachels]

I'm with you-- I've got a whopping case of mastitis today. :( I'm going to PM you-- check your box!

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya