8 Replies
Sharing some tips to help clear blocked ducts: 1. Apply warm compress while latch/pump. Warm compress helps to improve milk flow. Massage the area while latching or pumping. If unable to unblock, apply cold compress for relief. 2. Massage the breast in a warm shower. Take a wide toothed comb and apply soap on the blockage area and comb the area to improve the circulation. Keep combing to remove the blockage. 3. Dangle feeding - lay baby on the bed. Latch baby while hovering over baby with chin pointed to the affected area. Gravity and baby's suckling may help to unblock. 4. Check the nipple after latching or pumping. Squeeze the duct and examine if there is a duct with transparent milk. If so, that is the blocked duct. There may be some hardened milk blocking it. Try to push out the hardened milk from underneath the duct or squeeze it out like a pimple. If successful, milk will spurt out. 5. If blocked ducts keeps recurring, you can try to take lecithin. Lecithin disperses the fats in the milk preventing it from clumping which may cause blocked ducts. it does not make the milk "less fattier". The fat content is the same. Just spread out. 6. If you have fever, can take normal Panadol for relief. If fever persists, infection may have set in and you would need to see a GP who would prescribe breastfeeding friendly antibiotics such as Augmentin to clear the infection. 7. You can see an LC who can help to massage to clear the blocked duct.
Just to add on to the list, you can use disposable diaper for the warm compress. Simply fill the diaper with hot (but not scalding) water, squeeze out excess water, place the inside of the diaper on the breast. The diaper will stay warm for a longer period as compared to a cloth or towel. I’ve also heard of ladies using cold potato to help relieve the pain. Refrigerate a potato for a few hours, grate some of the potato and apple the grated potato over the affect breast. Cover with a clean wash cloth or towel, leave it on and lie down for five minutes. Repeat every hour throughout the day with freshly grated potato each time. Increase your vitamin C intake may help boost immune system and reduce inflammation. You can include food that are rich in vitamin C into your diet (e.g., citrus fruits, strawberries, tomato, green peppers, broccoli etc).
I don't ever have blocked ducts because I latch my baby on exclusively. My cousin who latches and pumps had a clogged duct which was partially relieved by a jamu masseuse. However, she told me that her baby cleared it fully when he latched. Try massaging your breasts when you pump, focusing on the clogged areas. The trick is to ensure that your breasts are emptied as much as possible. http://sg.theasianparent.com/natural-treatments-to-clear-blocked-milk-duct/
I'm prone to blocked ducts. Fill a glass bottle with hot water (of course test the temperature to make sure it's not too hot), roll on the blocked ducts areas and hand express slightly. After that pump or latch. Works for me all the time. But might need to repeat.
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Hi. You may find out more here: https://sg.theasianparent.com/your-childs-blocked-nose-what-you-need-to-know
thanks
Winnie Lin