https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:25:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1451820 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:40:09 +0000 shellio 1451820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: It sounds like you're doing everything right to keep from getting a clogged duct, but that maybe you're predisposed to getting them because of the consistency of your breast milk? When I talked to the lactation consultant about clogged ducts they told me it is perfectly fine for baby to drink the clumps that come out. If you are going to keep BF/pumping, I would consider taking lecithin after reading a bit more about it here on HB and elsewhere - seems very effective. If you start taking it I would be interested in hearing your results! I'm 3 mos into BF'ing my second DS and have not had to pump as much yet but recently went back to work and am getting back to the long days that keep me from seeing LO. I'm considering starting to take lecithin again since I'll be pumping most of the time over the next few mos. I stopped counting at 14 plugged ducts with my first DS and it sucked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1451450 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 15:00:51 +0000 citymouse 1451450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shellio: It's weird though... It doesn't feel like I have a clogged duct anymore? My breast is soft and there is no pain, no hot spot, no lumps that I can feel. Yet, every single pump session I am pulling out globs from my nipple. Do you think I still have a clogged duct? Or, is this just a gigantic clog that is taking a many days to fully clear out? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1450622 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:13:58 +0000 shellio 1450622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I think some people are prone to getting clogged ducts. I got a lot with my first DS, I didn't EP but I did work a lot and often saw him just 0-1 time a day so I pumped a lot which I think contributes. I think I've read about eating lecithin supplement? I always find really good info on kellymom about breast feeding and I remember reading about it there. Lots of good advice here - I hope you're feeling better!</p> <p>BTW - I don't know why you are EP but with my DS he was not getting any milk from the breast for the first 4 mos so I was EP'ing then. But, I did notice that even though he didn't get milk, after having him at the breast my clog would disappear (I still nursed him a couple times a day when possible to "practice"). I guess he was able to suck vigorously enough to loosen a clog? So if you get another clogged duct again and its possible to put LO to the breast and nurse a bit, that might help, even if its not for feeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1449821 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:04:07 +0000 citymouse 1449821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So 7 days later I am still pulling out globs of clogged milk after every single pumping session. What gives?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1442122 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:59:41 +0000 lemondrop 1442122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: yes! for me that was the start of things improving. Hope you are feeling better quick! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1442119 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:56:21 +0000 daniellemybelle 1442119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry! Mine took 2 days to clear but 2 more days to feel better. I think I may have made it worse because at first I didn't realize it was cleared because it was still swollen &amp; painful, so I kept massaging it &amp; pumping when I should I have just left it alone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1442052 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:09:36 +0000 sandy 1442052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: yes! Did it release some pressure (soften your breast) after you removed the clog and massaged the hardened area? If not (or not fully) then maybe look around some more and see if there is another clogged area or if it reclogged </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1441735 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:15:52 +0000 citymouse 1441735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pulled two small strings of clotted milk out of my nipple. FX this is a good sign? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439993 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 09:30:48 +0000 citymouse 1439993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: knuckles...hmmm. I have been prodding with my fingers, maybe Ill try my knuckles with this next pumping session. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439898 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:59:12 +0000 ShootingStar 1439898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had one last night and I was searching on here for what to do. I read some advice that I think is what worked - while nursing massage the area with your knuckles. I did that plus heat and it went away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439831 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:37:48 +0000 lemondrop 1439831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I was able to express small pieces of it during the second day like milk curdles. I could feel a thickened area. I took anti-inflammatories (those safe for bf'ing) to take down swelling to get the clog out, used heat compresses, and a lot of pumping, nursing, and rest. It felt like I had the flu, I could not function normally for about 2 days each time. </p> <p>Mine was hormonally related, it was after my cycle returned about a year after starting bf'ing- I'd be less concerned about an abscess forming since you are on antibiotics. I had it happen 3 times and never abscessed even though I never took abx (I have bad allergies to them, finding one that works and its safe for bf'ing is hard for me). KellyMom was a very helpful source for me to get additional ideas to feel better. Ugh, I don't wish that experience on anyone, it is total misery. Hope today turns a corner for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439827 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:35:44 +0000 Maysprout 1439827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just stopped antibiotics yesterday for mastitis, it sucks. For me the fever cleared up pretty quickly once I was on antibiotics, like within 12 hours. They said to come in if I still had a fever after a couple days. The clog took longer to go away though, it reduced over probably a span of 3 days and then was sore for a day or two longer. They recommended I start taking lecithin, I asked about it on HB and a lot of people think it helps reduce clogs so I've been taking that now. I hope you start to feel better soon. My energy lagged for several days even after the clog was cleared. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439822 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:32:11 +0000 edelweiss 1439822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i had a clogged duct while i was weaning. i bought a little self-heating pad (the kind that activates when exposed to oxygen and lasts for about 8 hours) and wore that in my bra for a couple of days, and massaged a lot, especially in the shower.</p> <p>i did not feel it "release" like some other folks have said. i just realized i wasn't in pain anymore. also, i was super paranoid about mastitis so at the first twinge of a body ache i got a prescription for antibiotics. glad you are taking antibiotics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439809 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:23:28 +0000 citymouse 1439809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: so you definitely felt it release? I have been squeezing and pulling on my boob w hot heat 5 mins before and then dangle pumping on a high seeting for 15 mins every two hrs and I still cant tell if its gone. Im scared Im going to have to go to the ER for an abcess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439677 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 06:34:16 +0000 Anagram 1439677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: yes!! Clogged pores just mean the milk can't come out there so the milk builds up in your breast---and makes that area super painful and rock hard.</p> <p>Clogged duct vs clogged nipple pore for me... A clogged duct was small, one area, and didn't hurt as badly. I could do other things all day and just out heat on it and it would come out on it's own. Clogged nipple pore, an entire side of my breast would be huge, hard and swollen, the pain would not allow me to concentrate on anything else until i got it out and they are overall just much, much worse.</p> <p>Once when I finally got a nipple clog out with a needle (it was invisible to the eye but I just poked around a little), milk literally shot across the room as the many hours of built up milk could finally release. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439544 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:11:29 +0000 lemondrop 1439544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>By the end of the second day I was feeling human again and able to get it out. The information on KellyMom was my lifesaver! Talk about misery, hope you feel better soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439541 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:08:48 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1439541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I was in tears too, but I just kept telling myself I pushed a baby out, I can push this sucker out too! I was clenching my teeth and holding my breath and squeezing like I never squeezed before! It was so painful, but when it cleared and milk started flowing again, that relief felt incredible. Like @Baby Boy Mom: said, it was still sore for about 2 days afterward, but still 1000x better than having a clogged duct. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439483 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 23:32:10 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1439483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Usually 1-2 days for me, and I agree with all of the advice- heat, dangle etc. I also wanted to mention that it's totally normal that when you have an infection your supply drops (and in my case medications make it much worse) BUT as soon as it is clear lots of skin to skin and frequent nursing will bring it back up, so try not to stress about it (I know it's hard). I would literally bring my LO to nurse at every opportunity even if he wasn't showing hunger signs just for the stimulation. I hope you get some relief soon! Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439439 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 23:09:31 +0000 lawbee11 1439439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: I've had a few clogged ducts. I made a rice sock and it really helped. This is also a really great source of info:</p> <p><a href="http://admin.lucieslist.com/nursing-issues-thrust-mastitis-blocked-ducts" rel="nofollow">http://admin.lucieslist.com/nursing-issues-thrust-mastitis-blocked-ducts</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439425 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 23:03:51 +0000 citymouse 1439425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: as far as squeezing, like REALLY going for it? Im trying my best and in tears each time... I guess just wondering if Im pushing hard enough? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439352 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:39:07 +0000 bisous 1439352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh. So sorry you are going through mastitis. I voted 1-2 days but that's just a plain clogged duct. When mine turned into mastitis, it took 3 days. Get lots of rest, drink lots of water and heat+massage even if it hurts! Antibiotics always seem to help me kick the mastitis fever/flu symptoms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439331 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:30:46 +0000 Ree723 1439331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to have DH massage them out. It's undignified as hell, but I'd get on all fours, spread a towel on the ground, and DH would massage the heck out of it. He could apply much more pressure than I could and it always worked. I also applied a rice sock several times per day which also helped.</p> <p>Good luck and big hugs - clogged ducts and mastitis are the worst! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439316 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:24:44 +0000 cheesehead 1439316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had a couple clogs too. They usually take a full day or so to release, Everyone has already given some really good tips, especially with checking the nipple for blocks. I always check for dried milk after I shower, it's so much easier to clear off then. I had to resort to a heating pad and having DH massage and put pressure on the clogged spot once. It hurt too much for me to do it! But it sure felt so nice once it finally released. Be prepared to be sore in that spot though for a day or 2 afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439278 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:13:10 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1439278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recently got a massive plugged duct and got it out by getting down on all fours (with a towel underneath me), letting my boob hang down, and pushing/squeezing the crap out of it. I also hand expressed a lot in a hot, steamy shower. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439277 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:12:53 +0000 citymouse 1439277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: would a clogged nipple feel super painful in the breast? Esp when I lean forward? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439271 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 22:11:44 +0000 citymouse 1439271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: I think it has, I have a fever, body aches, headaches, chills. Thats why I immediately called and asked for an antibiotic :-/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439061 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:19:54 +0000 Anagram 1439061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@citymouse: Sandy is right that it may be a clogged nipple pore instead. I got them constantly. Put olive oil (a lot of it) on your nipple with a soaked cotton ball or something on top, in your bra. Wait 30 min, also put a hot compress at the same time on the hard part of the boob. Then pump again .</p> <p>Also, watch your nipple when you pump. If the milk isn't coming out of an area it normally comes out, then probe that are with a sterilized needle until you unclog the clogged nipple pore.</p> <p>This all sounds so gross but I did it so many times, it became second nature. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1439056 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:19:25 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1439056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hope it doesn't turn into mastitis!</p> <p>heat, heat, heat is what always worked for me. hot hot showers, and warm compresses.</p> <p>good luck! clogged ducts suck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1438969 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:03:23 +0000 citymouse 1438969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@singingbee: @sorrycharlie: I am EP and have been "dangle" pumping. Its as attractive as it sounds. </p> <p>Should I really be going for it with the massage? I am, and the pain is insane, but Im hoping thats what Im supposed to be doing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-days-for-a-clogged-duct-to-clear#post-1438685 Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:08:56 +0000 sorrycharlie 1438685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>dangle feeding and serious boob massage helped me, and alternating heat and ice. when I got a clogged duct mine were serious - and twice resulted in mastitis. so mine isn't the normal situation but mine lasted several days every time :( </p>