It's been less than 2 weeks since my milk has come in and I've had a clogged duct every other day it seems. And its in a different part of my boob each time. 
Does EP cause more clogged ducts? Is there something I can do to prevent them?
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i am not an EP-er, but i have read that sometimes if the flanges are the wrong size, it can cause a poor drainage of milk...maybe try bigger flanges? I know that your nipple should not be rubbing the sides of the flange.
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I would try different flanges sizes and try heat compresses and massage!
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@SleepyMonkey: I don't think my nipples are rubbing the inside of the flanges, but I'll definitely try larger flanges! I'm willing to try everything to prevent clogged ducts at this point. They're so painful!!
@autumnlove: I'm massaging my breasts before and during pump sessions - super ouch as I'm massaging out the lumps.
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I know dangle nursing can help with clogged ducts, do you think it's possible to "dangle pump"?
You could also try taking lecithin as a preventative but hopefully they'll reduce in frequency as your supply regulates
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@Alivoo01: I've EP'ed for 9 months and no clogged ducts. Maybe you can try pumping at least once a day after showering? I know hot showers help me get out more milk.
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@Kemma: I'll try dangle pumping! Thanks.
@LaineysMom: I put heat on my breasts then massage it afterwards and it gets rid of the duct, but by the next pumping session, another spot on my breast is now clogged! Ugh!
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@Alivoo01: how often do you pump? I would not go longer than 3 hours between pumps/nursing the first couple of weeks including at night. Also pp suggestion of lecithin and moist heat before pumping helps. I used to get clogged ducts all the time esp. when I started back to work and I think it was time that finally resolved it. I still get a few now and then and what helps is drinking lots of fluids, setting suction on high and massaging the entire time during pumping.
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Also your bra and how you sleep can cause plugs. Make sure your bra us loose enough and sleep in your back.
I had a lot if trouble emptying for the first few weeks and especially had a hard time with the underside of my breasts. I think it will even out eventually.
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removed didn't mean to threadjack
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@silver1: I currently pump every 3 hours, which is DS's current eating schedule also. I'll have to look into lecithin . Thanks!
@Mrs Green Grass: I feel like I could pump forever! I currently pump 20 minutes but my boobs are still dribbling at the 20 minute mark. Sometimes, I go longer just to see, and at 30 minutes, but my left boob (which is the current main producer of the two) is still dribbling! The past few days, it's been the underside of my boob that's clogging too, but the sides and tops of my boobs clog as well when it's not the underside. Ugh!
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I would try the lecithin and see if that helps. If you're getting clogs all over, I would think it would be helpful.
Here is a LLL .pdf with suggestions, including dietary changes.
http://www.llli.org/docs/0000000000000001WAB/WAB_Tear_sheet_Toolkit/17_dealingwithplugsblebs.pdf
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@Alivoo01: I have never been able to pump for less than 30. Mine was the same way, still dribbling, so I never really felt like I could go 5 minutes past like they recommend. How is your supply? I know someone suggested larger flanges, but smaller might be necessary too. I use a different size on each side just because it feels more comfortable. But when I change it up, sometimes I feel like it empties better...
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@allison: Thanks for the pdf!!
@Mrs Green Grass: I'm currently pumping just shy of 2oz out of each breast in the daytime and about 30-40mL in the wee hours of the morning (2am & 5am feedings). I tried a large flange and felt like it didn't do much. I'm going to try a different pump and see if that helps along with dangling pumping like @Kemma suggested. I currently use the Medela Freestyle. Going to try the Ameda Purely Yours.
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