Hellobee Boards

I always read 1-2 days but when I actually had one it was almost 3! The pain is terrible, but it will end, hang in there! And I only ever had one!

The two times I've had a clogged duct, the baby got it unclogged - dangle feeding and using gravity are really helpful. Also fill a thick sock with rice and tie the end, and microwave it for 40 seconds or so for a fantastic heating pad that holds the heat well.

@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 .

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.

This all sounds so gross but I did it so many times, it became second nature.

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.

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.

@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:

http://admin.lucieslist.com/nursing-issues-thrust-mastitis-blocked-ducts

@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.

@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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

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!

@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

@citymouse: yes! for me that was the start of things improving. Hope you are feeling better quick!

@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!

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.

@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.